What is a lawyer consultation for?

I recently got a speeding citation and will have to go to court. I am considering using the free 30-minute consultation that many lawyers offer to go in and ask the lawyer some basic questions, explain my situation, and ask how I can possibly get out of a heavy penalty. As the cost of hiring a lawyer would probably be higher than the penalty they give me, I am planning to only use this consultation as a time to ask some questions, without the intent of hiring the lawyer. Is this not what consultations are for? Should I try to get a consultation with the lawyer, or are these consultations supposed to only be used to determine if you have a case and are considering hiring the lawyer? Thank you.