I was recently given a summons for remaining in a park after hours of
closure. My boyfriend and I, among several others in their cars, were
enjoying the night by a park area overlooking a bridge unaware that
the park was closed after 9pm. The police officer took our driver's
license and apologetically told us that we needed to report to the
criminal court for trespassing. He said that all we need to do is to
show up in court and the judge will most likely dismiss the case
without fine.

We are due to appear at court in a few weeks. However, the police
officer said we could go earlier to take care of the summons, so a
week after we were given the summons we went to court before the
actual court date. Unfortunately, one of the officers told us that we
could only process the summons at the specified court date. Also, I
will be leaving the country for six months in a few days. After
explaining my situation to the officer, he said that all i need to do
is to write a letter pleading guilty and explaining my situation in
writing. The letter needs to be notarized and my boyfriend who also
received the similar summons would be able to represent me before the
judge.

After much misinformation about what I need to do, I'd like to know
whether this letter will suffice because I cannot personally appear in
court. Also, what do i need to include in this letter? Am i correct to
assume that the worst that can happen is that I will receive a fine
(which my boyfriend can take care of on the spot) or will something
more drastic happen when i return from abroad?

Answers are greatly appreciated!