RESPECT EVERYONE YOU SPEAK WITH WHEN YOU HANDLE THIS. No matter how much it sucks and no matter how anal clerks, judges, etc. are being, give them total respect and NEVER argue with them. This will get you absolutely nowhere, I promise. Kill them with kindness. If they call you a piece of $#*%, tell them, "I understand and I apologize that I am a piece of $#*% maam/sir...."
Trust me dude, I have seen many levels of the legal system. I'm not proud of the fact nor do I believe anyone should accept being called a piece of $#*%. Personally if I was you, I would pay the fines, and take the 6 month suspension of your license, and move on. Don't let them bring you down. Do I think it's right and/or fair? Based on what you've said, absolutely not. I think it sucks a 17 year old guy has to learn this stuff so soon. In reality, you have just barely been legally considered an adult.
There is one other thing you might be able to do. I live in Texas and I'm about to go through this license suspension crap (2 no insurance tickets). In our state you can file for an "SR-22". Basically, this is a permit to use a motor vehicle for transportation purposes to get to and from work ONLY. Your license is still suspended but if you were to get pulled over on the way to work, or on the way home, you are ok, legally. If caught driving any other time, well........... thats another story for sure. Anyways, I don't know if your state has something like this or what it's called but I'd check into it. It will also help out on your insurance from going so high if completed successfully.
Sorry your having to go through this crap, but hopefully I've given you some insight on what to expect. And hopefully I have given you some helpful advise. Good luck.