Fight Speeding Ticket?

Asking for a friend... has anyone tried going in person to contest a speeding ticket at the Van Nuys courthouse? My friend got pulled over going 55 in a 35 On Hayvenhurst by a cop on a motorcycle and got a speeding citation. They aren't in a good position financially to let their insurance go up, pay for a lawyer or to take classes (their schedule doesn't work for classes).

NOTE- only looking for answers to this question, other thoughts/comments are not welcome. My friend knows they shouldn't have been speeding.