Suspended License due to Failure to Appear, Help please!?

Okay, so in Jan of this year (2011) I got a speeding ticket (California-Monrovia Police Dept)on the way to work (i was late) and was doing 57 in the 45 zone. This is my first ticket. I worked as an EMT (ambulance) at the time doing 24hour shifts, my brain was so fried i missed my court date (I worked the day of the court date) I realized a couple days later I completely forgot about it and called the court right away and got an arraignment on 7/28/2011. I found out today after my parents tried to renew the insurance that my license is suspended or has a hold placed on it. Long story short, I lost my job due to this ticket, don't qualify for EDD im broke as hell with a daughter to feed, I absolutely LEARNED my lesson and will NEVER speed again unless my life depended on it. I plan to go to court and explain what I just told you guys (admitting guilt and making it clear im not trying to make excuses and will take the punishment). So I was wondering what are the chances the judge will drop the points and (this is what im hoping for) lower my fines, again my first ticket ever, I'm scared and totally screwed cause I was stupid and missed my court date....Please any advice, tips or anything that will help me, thanks in advance.