First ticket in 20 years

[elau]

Guys, fate has finally caught up with me. I got my first ticket in 20 years tonight on the way home from Richmond, VA. I was caught on Route 301 in Maryland. I was written 9 miles over (64 in 55 zone). But I was actually going 78. The officer said since I have a clean record, he reduced it to 64. He had instant on, so my V-1 could not have saved me. Plus there was only one other car on the road and it was dark. I could not have seen him at all.

Will there be points on my record?

I think I am going to court and see what the judge has to say. The fine is set at $80 but I am not going to pay it until court date. What do you guys think? Or should I just pay it?

Is it worth to hire a lawyer to fight this?

What should I do?