I received a fta for a traffic violation and a notice threatening to suspend my drivers license. I was a misunderstanding, but I need legal advice.

The original ticket was for using my cell phone and driving, which I initially was going to contest. I scheduled a court date to do so on 3/1/17. However, my daughter fell ill and was hospitalized that day and consequently missed my court date. I was under the impression I still had until the date on the ticket to just pay it , but when I went to go pay the ticket the clerk informed me that my fine had tripled due to the fta. I requested a court date to see the judge for the matter. I am scheduled to see the judge on 3/21/17. However, I feel I need counsel to help me correct the matter due to the courts threatening to suspend my drivers license.