I agree, however I was in court yesterday with my oldest daughter, and the due to her age and the fact that she was returning to school, the JP reduced a $110.00 fine to $50.00. The crown actually entered her argument for leniency for her as she was quite intimidated.
Our plan was, if the cop is not there, plead not guilty, if he is, plead guilty. He was, and turned out to be a very nice fellow, helping us out with the penalty phase of trial and giving my daughter some "dutch uncle" advice.
I was very happy that her first experience with the courts was able to help build her up as a person.