I said nothing about actively pissing off the judge lol. Yes, they can choose how strict the punishment is. That strictness cannot be greater than what it would be to just sign the ticket and turn it in, unless you create some type of chaos in the courtroom.

I have experience with this. I've self represented with a 15 over charge I was obviously guilty of, got it knocked down to a 5 - 10. Generally you talk to the cop before the hearing and that's pretty much the end of it.

I've also been party to a multiple car accident that involved a roll-over. I hired representation in that case despite being "guilty by the book" and had everything thrown out other than a small, no-point fine. The judge called me in to the courtroom to give a verbal beating and felt satisfied after that.