[Perfectlap]

well me thinks that you are looking at least $1000 in penalties and surcharges for this year if you go it alone. Then you'll have increases in your insurance for several years to come as well. By the end of it all it could end up costing you about the same as hiring this lawyer or more if you lose. It's a gamble for sure.

I know here in NJ an under 25 year old driver in a home with a Porsche in the garage will jack up everyones insurance in the house if there is a suspension.
If you are forced to insure on your own you would pay about $5K a year here in NJ with a suspension. I had a $500 increase because I failed to pay a $30 parking ticket within 60 days and the state DMV allowed this township to suspend my license over this one ticket! No points or accidents in 15 years and they still jacked up my insurance $500. Amazing... I don't know if CA has similarly high rates these days.

What do you pay if they throw the book at you in court? Still on the hook for the $4K?

I'd plead poverty since you are trying to do this without your folks footing the bill.
Maybe Perry Mason will drop a few bucks off the price.