How should I plead for a traffic Violation?

I'll be in court for a 75 in 60 speeding ticket soon. I know I was guilty and admit to it as well as plan on paying the fines. (Before I get the unsafe etc etc, I *knowingly* left my cruise control on 75 when the Speed Limit was 70 a few miles earlier. Its all open farm country in NC) Anyways, the trooper said if my record is clean for the past year it would drop to only 9 over. I aquired a copy from DMV showing nothing since 06. But how should I plead if I want to admit wrong doing but show Ive had a clean record. I dont want to come off like a jerk saying no contest but then admitting to it. But I know Im not innocent. My biggest concern is it putting too many points on my record and disqualifying my app to the Fire Academy as well as insurance rase.

So I went and spoke with the DA. Explained I was there to plead guilty under lesser offense and he asked if I was looking to get it reduced. Showed my driving record. Charges were dropped to Faulty Equipment with a $25 fine and I was sent on my merry.

Plead not guilty. The district attorney will meet with you before trial and offer you a chance to plead guilty to a lesser charge (or lower speed violation). Do not admit to doing 75 (unless you are under oath).

This is pretty much standard procedure.