Help! Criminal Case for $27?

Issue:

I was in a taxi back in Boston and had some drinks that night. The taxi driver was driving the "long" way and my $15 taxi ride was $27. I advised the driver of this and we got into an arguement. There happened to be a police officer in the area we were in so he pulled over and gave the officer his story. The cop ended getting up in my face and told me it was my fault.

I live in CAlifornia and was advised i received a letter for a court date for criminal charges for the $27.

Its probably not a big deal but I have no record or even really come in contact ever with a cop! So i'm a bit upset about this. What are my options here? Do I HAVE to go to court and buy a plane ticket from Cali to Boston? Or is this something I can talk to the Boston Clerk Magistrate about and it can be resolved that way?

Thanks in advance!

Don't avoid that charge whatever you do-- and firstly see what the charge really is.

You may have to appear or hire counsel to do so.