Speeding Tickets: Trial by Written Declaration

My question involves a traffic ticket from the state of: California Contra Costa County for speeding ticket VC 22350 excessive speed with a fine cost about $489.00 with option traffic school for $551.00. My argruments is that there is no SPEED LIMIT SIGN from the highway where I came from which i beleive is 55mph then is was drop to 35mph without transitional speed limit signs. The only sign that I see is only 35 MPH.

Question 1: If i try the TBWD and I lose, do I lose also my option of going to traffic school? How do I ask the Judge after he made the decision for traffic school incase he denies me? Also should I ask the Judge on my TBWD to lower the fines, how should I write it?

This is my first ticket for more than 15 yrs. and my hope is the judge will lower the fine and I can still go to traffic school. My court date is March 29, 2016 and Contra Costa County is very far where I live, its 5 hrs. drive that is why I cant go to court and contest it. I know is my fault but I can avoid it if there is a sign.

Question 2: Should I call the CC County to ask for the TBWD forms or can i just download in the website, is that all the same? Also I should file it before court date correct?

Any input and suggestion will be highly appreciated.

Speeding Tickets: Trial by Written Declaration