Fighting a moving violation...

Someone told me today that if I fight this ticket and lose, then I am NOT eligible for traffic school and it goes on my record. Anyone know if this is the case?

It depends on the judge.  Metro areas don't seem to allow it as much after the trial.  Rural areas a little more. Usually the result of court case volume/logistics.  You can call the court clerk and ask.

Take some pictures of the intersection and explain what happened.  Than will make you look a little more serious about your innocence.  I chose to fight only one ticket and the judge did dismiss it.  Good luck

Take pictures of the intersection and have them blown up.  If you can use a video setting, sit there for a few minutes and see how many other people make the same mistake.  Get a bunch of people doing it on film and it shows it is is unsafe which lends merit to getting it thrown out or fines reduced.