Yeah, attitude is the MOST important thing, actually. My father is a Judge, and he always judges people on three things:
1) appearance. You would be amazed at how many people come into court in tank-tops, wife-beater shirts and cutoff jeans. If you dress appropriately (I wore a shirt and tie both times all three times I have had to appear), the first thing the judge sees is that you take the court seriously and that you realize that court is not a joke.
2) attitude. If you walk in there screaming that "it was not my fault", then there is a problem. Not to say that you take responsibility for everything, but just understand that you are responsible for your vehicle and the people in it. Also, have a positive outlook, look into the eyes of whoever addresses you, and be honest (they can tell when you are lying; my father is a human lie-detector, and it sucks).
3) Language and courtesy. Address everyone by their proper title. Refer to ladies as "m'am", and men as "sir." It is never bad to respond with the best English you can think of, and always with the common "yes m'am, no m'am; yes sir, no sir." I know it seems stupid, but it does help things. MOST IMPORTANTLY: NO PROFANITY WHATSOEVER.
Not trying to sound better than anyone, but when I went to court for my reckless driving ticket (67 in a 45), my dad told me these, and luckily for me, the case got dismissed.
Hope this helps.
