Bunch of speeding & unlicensed driver tickets on a permit in NYS from 2001- 2004?

Its overwhelming cause they're throughout upstate NY. I never had a license, just a permit. When I talk to the courts, they want me to appear, they say I can't just plead guilty & pay a fine. I was 19 - 21 during this time. I really didn't know how serious this was, or that it'd affect me in this way for this long. Do I need to get a lawyer? The tickets will be expensive enough. Not to mention I can't exactly drive all over the state to go to court. Whats the best way for me to handle this? I need a license, like yesterday!