Should I hire an attorney? If I pay fine over the phone, is that pleading guilty and would there be more consequences and/or possible sentencing?

I am on a 5 year revocation for my 2nd DUI. I was in the DUI program and terminated due to a missed appointment. Last week, I was pulled over for going 12 over the speed limit. I did not have a valid license on me, officer said he could write me up for three citations; speeding, not carrying ID, and driving on a suspended license. He told me he was going to just get me for the suspended license and then he let me drive off....I was getting ready to call and pay ticket over the phone, but realized this might be a bigger problem. Is paying the ticket essentially pleading guilty? Are there legal consequences I could face after paying? Does paying/pleading guilty have any potential difficulties when my license is off suspension in 2025?