You get called up and they ask you how you want to plead. This is the prosecutor asking you this. You do not say tell them guilty, not guilty or no contest. You explain to him that their was damage done to your car and it took your plate with it. you needed time to get it fixed and had it displayed in your front windshield while you were waiting to get it fixed. (if that part is true, if not than dont worry) That you have already gotten it fixed and you show him/her the pictures. Tell them you have not had a ticket in over 4 years, and they might drop it off for you. If he does not drop it than ask him what he can do for you. If he says nothing than ask for a lesser fine or none at all if you plead no contest.
There are different ways of doing it. It is all in how you negotiate the situation. Sadly, court is no longer about the truth, it is about what you can prove.