--You don't know what the judge will do or else we wouldn't need them... he or she may have heard this in your opinion valid reason or may decide it was a lame excuse ..... thus decide he wants your gear and license as well as the fine.
They can't do that.
Whats next seize your car for speeding or parking infractions when you decide to appeal???
Yes I know what the judge will do... he will say pay the full amount or reduce the ticket or cancel the ticket or chose not the hear the defendant. He is only appealing the alleged offense.
They can only seize your gear for certain serious offenses, not minor infractions.
I suggest you learn the law and know your rights as everyone has the right to a fair trial by a judge, NOT officers. And that means the right to appealing an officers decision.
FYI every one also has the right to appeal
the cost of the ticket, not the offense as one might not make much money.
I think the cost of this offense is way too high as it is quite easy to willingly keep more than 10 Chinook with re-printable/photo copy licenses, so charging so much for people who make a mistake seems unreasonable.