In NJ, should I go to court for 2 traffic violations (4 pts) and plead guilty?

I got two tickets for careless driving & improper lane change, it was rainy, dark & I was in an area I had no idea where I was so I saw a uturn and quickly turned to make the exit. Of course there was a cop there, right? So I got 2 tickets which are both 4 points. I guess technically I'm guilty, so should I go to court and try to bargain or should I just take the hit? When I asked the cop if I'll get points he said something about going to court & they'll lower the charges. Any tips? Can you even go to court to plead guilty without the apperance being mandatory?