I was given a ticket for going 80 in a 70. I have no points on my license in NC. I am college student and broke. Should I get a lawyer to get this demised or reduced so it will not effect my NC record or can I go to court myself. This is my first ticket and I called a lawyer and he was going to charge me 500 plus fine and fees which amounted to $700. I am a poor college student. Could I go to court myself and if so what do I ask? It was my first time driving my dads car back to college and I was not used to it. What do I plead and ask for? Also being from NC and the ticket is in VA how does that effect my driving record in NC?