Traffic court for talking on cell phone, what do I say?

Let me give you some details!

I was caught talking on my phone while driving. Bad, I know. Normally I use my GPS speakerphone but at the time, I was going through an emergency/personal crisis and was driving to meet someone to get this sorted out. I got a call from that person to confirm a meeting and that’s when I was caught.

The cop was specifically looking for cell phone talkers. He saw when he walked up that I had already been crying for a long time. I admitted guilt because well, I was caught and did wrong.

He seemed to feel bad. He gave me a ticket but didn’t add a supporting deposition (meaning, he opted not to put that I admitted guilt) and insisted to me that I show up in court to fight it to at least get it reduced. I said I could just pay via mail but he insisted again.

My court date is coming up in a few days. What do I do? What do I say?