Even if you didn't show up in court, they'd mostly likely just do a judgment against you since it's civil court, not criminal. Even if you didn't pay the fine, they wouldn't throw you in jail, it would just turn up on your credit report.
I recently found a judgment mine from 10 years ago. Went to the emergency room after a 30 ft fall, Thought all my bills were paid. Two years later, while I was in Okinawa, they took me to court without notification. I'm making payments on it now and, once paid off, I'll dispute it with the 3 credit bureaus and they'll take it off or at least give me a few points... No problems...
Either way, it would still be cheaper to get a lawyer to appear on your behalf. From my own experiences, half the time they will even call you wanting you to hire them for that measly $200 or $300... I'd keep in contact with the officer from out there, he may give you a little more advice on Utah's procedures...