I've contested every ticket I've ever recieved. A few tips:
1) Find out a little more about court procedure and possible costs. It sounds fishy that they mentioned additional fines for contesting the ticket. I know for a fact there are no additional fees for contesting a ticket in my state.
2) The worst that can happen is that you have to pay the full fine, instead of a reduced one. If the fine isn't for much to begin with (<$200), the benefits of fighting the ticket far outweigh the savings of paying a reduced fine.
3) See if you can get a trial by affadavit. Instead of appearing before a judge, you and the officer instead submit written accounts of what happened, and the judge rules based on those accounts. However, if your state requires the officer testify in person, then you should show up in person as well.
4) Regardless of whether you testify by affadavit or in person, get rid of all the "maybes" in your story. The judge will always side with the officer if there is any question of doubt, so don't offer any doubt on your part.
5) Pre-trial, you have the right to ask for any public documents in the state's domain through discovery. I've asked for radar/laser calibration records, the officer's radar/laser certification, state policies on the use of radar/laser equipment, speedometer calibration records, etc.
6) I've had cases ruled in my favor for a variety of reasons. Cops haven't shown up. Cops didn't submit their affadavit. The state didn't provide me the documents I requested pre-trial.
7) Always come prepared to trial if the cop does show up. Ask the officer as many detailed, relevant questions as you can. The more he says "I do not recall", the better your case is. Remember that many states have so few resources, your trial date might be 1-6 months in the future.
8) Always act polite to everyone at court, including the officer. Don't give them reasons to throw the book at you. I've lost cases but still recieved reduced fines from the judge.
None of this applies of they offer you deferred judgement or traffic school. Take either of those options over fighting your ticket. The judge will let you know if you're eligible for either option before you plead.