First 'Major' ticket

In Michigan, we're allowed to choose if we would like a formal trial in front of the judge, or an informal trial in front of a magistrate.

Most of the time an officer will show for the formal trial because of a state/county mandate. However, I don't believe it applies to informal trials. It's worked for me and a few friends, but I have never gotten out of the formal trial by not having the officer show up.