I received a non-traffic Open Container infraction (not a minor) while walking down the street for a beer can that I threw into a trash can ...

Question

I received a non-traffic Open Container infraction (not a minor) while walking down the street for a beer can that I threw into a trash can before the police officer pulled over. He retrieved the 25%-full can from the trash. The bail amount on the ticket that I received in the mail is $476 even though the Los Angeles Superior Court Bail Schedule shows a $25 fine + penalty for an Open Container ticket. Is there any way to contest/reduce the amount of the fine as being unreasonable?

Answer

Yes, by going to court and negotiating with the judge for a guilty plea.