Some other related tidbits:
How long a ticket stays on your license varies state to state. Commonly 3.5-4 years depending on what they consider the beginning/end of the calendar year and when your ticket hit your record. Most states share tickets with other states, but there are a few exceptions. If you get a ticket while out of state, check to see if that other state will even report back to your DMV. If not, just pay the ticket and no worries.
If you get a reduction to a non-moving violation, this will not raise your insurance rates.
Insurance companies only look at your driving record. Once something falls off your record they can no longer hold the prior infraction against you.
Insurance companies do track accidents/raise your rates for up to 5 years:
http://www.carinsurance.com/auto-ins...ng-record.aspx