CA Stop Sign Violation Fine?

hey everyone i'm a newcomer here (and only 19) and just wanted to say hi first of all :smile: and sorry if i sound like an idiot out of lack of experience.

anyways i was driving to work today and did a typical california stop roll-thru a stop sign and got ticketed (not that it would help me, but i was in an empty residential area at the time). So far, no one has been able to help me find out how much the fine might be. I've heard anywhere from under $100 to nearly $300. I just got it this morning, and haven't recieved any info the mail yet. Does anyone know what the fee is?

Also, i'm a bit confused as to exactly what i should do. On the ticket, it says to go to the Lodi court and the cop wrote "within 21 days" on the ticket, and didn't check the "will be notified by mail" box. My first thought was to take it there ASAP and find out what i need to do, but now everyone is telling me that it won't even be processed for about 3 weeks and i should get something in the mail. Which one is right?

My location is Lodi, CA (San Joaquin County)

Thanks in advance for help. Any would be highly appreciated
~armaddon

This is a little strange since they usually give a specific trial date. If you don't receive anything in two weeks call the clerk of court and ask. Be sure to get the name of the clerk.

Typically you will receive a courtesy notice that will tell you you are eligible for traffic school. This is the best way of handling the ticket in order to be sure it stays off your record and doesn't increase your insurance premiums.

Most CA courts are now accepting
Online Traffic School (http://www.trafficschoolonline.com/?lcode=4013)

Yeah I checked and my city does allow online traffice school, so I'll probably go that route. And thanks for the advice, I'll make sure to get the nameof the clerk ASAP.

I've checked a few other states, and their maximum fines for first offense stop-sign violations are like $120. HOPEFULLY California will be less then $200. I know a guy who payed $260-ish, but there was more involved and it definitely wasn't his first offense.

thanks for the help everyone
~armaddon