Many years ago I contested a ticket and asked the court clerk to have the cop present. About a week before the hearing I told a lawyer friend about the matter. She said, given the facts, I would do myself no good having the cop there. (this may not apply to you) Panicked, I called the clerk and told him I changed my mind, I wanted the hearing but the cop did *not* have to be there. On the appointed day, I showed up, the cop didn't...but the paperwork still showed that I had requested the officer. Case dismissed.