I'm a former California Highway Patrol Officer and was a court liaison for another law enforcement agency in the past. Obviously, courts vary from state to state so I can't tell you exactly what to do to get off but here are a few things you can do to help your case:
1. Have a written record of the chain of events and all other details about the incident with you (a polite and professional version of your first post in this thread would work
). This will help you to remember all of the details that you want to tell the judge (you will forget key things when you start talking, court can make most people nervous and forgetful). When the Judge asks for your side of the incident, ask him if you can read from your notes and tell him that you would like to submit your notes after you speak as one of your exhibits (i.e.: evidence). In the notes, make sure you document it in the following order:
Describe the day, time, location of the incident and where you were on the roadway.
Note the weather/visibility.
Make mention of other vehicles in front/next to/behind you.
State when you first saw the officer and what you did.
Let the judge know what you did when you were pulled over, where the stop was made at and your behavior when the officer contacted you.
Don't go into a word for word replay of the conversation you had with the officer but note the key points that he told you.
2. Take photos of the area in question showing what the area looked like from your view and also from the officers view. Take these photos during the same time of day as you received your ticket. Take prints that are at least 8"x10" and be prepared to leave them with the Judge. Also, take a photo of your vehicle so the Judge can see that you haven't made any modifications to it.
3. Take the original calibration paperwork you receive from your mechanic and also take copies of any recent maintenance work you have done (this shows that you properly maintain your vehicle).
4. Ask for the Judge to ask the officer for the calibration records for his radar, as well as the officers training and certification for that type of radar. If this is current, you're golden!
5. If it appears that you're going to lose, politely ask the judge if you can attend traffic school - tell him that would be more beneficial and educational to you than just paying a fine.
6. Always remember to be polite, refer to the judge as "your honor" or "Sir", the cop is "the Deputy (or officer"). Never interrupt and don't speak unless the judge directs you to.
I'm sure there are a few other things that would help you but I can't think of them right now. Good luck - just by appearing in court, being polite, being prepared and organized - you have dramatically increased your chances of not having to pay $163!