I'm wondering if should retain an attorney as I was ticketed for driving on a suspended license and suspended plates

Suspensions are usually not for unpaid fines. Usually they involve a failure to appear to the Court with a default judgment, or else it is the insurance suspension. Although it may say "yes" on your driver's abstract with an FP, all that does is prevents you from renewing your license.  Depending on the classification of exactly why you were suspended, Driving While License suspended is a Class A Misdemeanor punishable by a maximum fine of $2,500 plus 364 days in the County Jail.  A conviction would also typically carry with it the collateral consequence of an additional license suspension with the duration generally being the same duration as the original suspension. Whether you want to hire an attorney is always your decision, but you should understand that you likely have a misdemeanor pending charge against you, not a petty offense like a speeding ticket. Best of luck to you!