<human>: Can you provide a brief overview of the text?

I got a reckless driving by speed summons in September. This is my third ticket in 3 years (all by speeding - I suck at driving, I know), so I hired a lawyer as I've never been to court, I really don't want an inexpugnable misdemeanor on my record, and I'm nervous. 

The court date was supposed to be this past week, but about 2 months ago he emailed letting me know he had to change it, as he already had a court date to attend that same day. He sent me the write-up to the court stating that we were requesting a date change. Now it's been moved to February, I think?

Here's the thing. I'm totally left out of the process. I'm not being updated on anything. We only communicate when I have a question, and even then we go weeks without emailing. When I first hired him, I sent his assistant my driving record, payment, and summons. I had to ask about the new date and what I should do to prep for court. He said, "It won't make a difference if you're there or not, so it's best that you not come." WHAT? 

PLEASE HELP. I'm so new at this and just want the best possible outcome. I'd rather pay the max $2,500 fine + lawyer fee than have the misdemeanor. I haven't had any other problems with the law before (besides the 2 speeding tickets a year apart - I live in Virginia, by the way) or since.
<bot>: My lawyer is saying I don't need to appear in court - but that doesn't sound right to me. Do I have a shady lawyer, or is this just the way things are done?