It can be argued that money was freely given by people who were issued tickets because they didn't want to deal with challenging the ticket in court. I've done

It can be argued that money was freely given by people who were issued tickets because they didn't want to deal with challenging the ticket in court. I've done the same (got an open container ticket on the boardwalk in coney island, where they sell beer. the cop said you have to drink it within 20ft of the establishment that sold it). Admittedly, in that particular case they dismissed the fine and sent me my check back.