I have actually gotten the same ticket when I was 19 in lake city, ga. its a bad one to get as far as the points are concerned, but I dont rememeber the fine being anywhere near $1k. I think my fine was $300 maybe close to $400. have you called to get a price??
also, pleading nolo may save you points, but its all up to the judge if he allows you too.

of course this all happened 6 years ago, so I dont know whats changed since I got my ticket. Good Luck with it all.