Need Advice with the LAW

Alright, i got myself a really hefty speeding, not sure what its actually going to be but im thinking around 250 USD. Im planning on going to court and appealing it. My question is, whats the better route to take, claim you innocence or to humbly go before the court and ask for mercy? One side of me wants to claim ive never seen the signs therefore im innocent, which is true, i never noticed the 35 mph sign. Another part of me wants to go in and tell them its my first speeding ticket in 6 years and i have rent to pay:)

Does anyone have experience in this sort of thing? Let me know what you did and the result.

thanks :worried: