I got rear ended 2 years ago. The cop was a rookie with a policewoman trainer who liked the guy who rear ended me. They sent him on his way and gave me a ticket. They said I side-swiped him, even though my bumper's center had the only damage to my car. No side damage. First mistake was not photographing everything at the scene.
Went for informal hearing. Cop did not show, had it dismissed, but the prosecutor asked for "Dismissal without prejudice" = My Second mistake was not objecting to this "without".
Got a new ticket in the mail for the same offence.
Asked for informal hearing again, but we had a mini-trial for 1 hour. Cop showed and lied under oath. Judge did not buy his explanation of how I could have no damage to my side and only to my center bumper...