I am a lawyer in CT and practice in this area of the law.  Most states take speeding very seriously as a result of the harm that it can cause.  I suggest pleading not guilty to the tickets.  then  you need to go to the DMV and try to get your license renewed.  then you should bring the papers showing that your license is renewed to court on your court date.  I would explain that you didnt know/realize that the license was expired.  as for  the speeding charge, you need to apologize and explain why you were in such a hurry and explain that you would like to make some kind of charitable contribution in lieu of pay the ticket as a result of the impact on your driver's license/insurance rates.  Explain that you are a college student of little means and you would like to resolve this to avoid the infraction on your license.