Got a Traffic Ticket on Thanksgiving Eve? Here's the Right Way to Handle It

Thanksgiving Eve is one of the busiest travel days of the year in the Hudson Valley. Police departments across New Paltz, Ulster County, Dutchess County, Orange County, and the rest of the region know it, and enforcement is always stepped up.

If you’re reading this because you got a traffic ticket today, don’t panic. And definitely don’t plead guilty without knowing your options. Here’s exactly what to do next.

Why Thanksgiving Eve Tickets Are So Common

Traffic volume spikes, people rush to get home or to family dinners, and police are out in force trying to keep the roads safe. That combination leads to speeding tickets, failure to yield/unsafe lane change, cell phone violations, reckless driving charges, DWI/DWAI checkpoints, and more.

You are far from the only driver who ended up with a ticket today.

Q&A: What You Should Do If You Got Pulled Over Today

Should I just pay the ticket to get it over with?

No, not until you talk to a lawyer.
Paying a ticket in New York is the same as pleading guilty, which means points on your license, higher insurance rates, possible suspensions, a permanent record of the violation, and risk for future license consequences if you get another ticket.

Whether the ticket was issued in New Paltz or anywhere else in the Hudson Valley, Selby Legal can often negotiate significant reductions, but only if you avoid pleading guilty.

Can a traffic lawyer really help in a holiday-issued ticket?

Absolutely. Holiday enforcement is fast-paced, and officers sometimes misread speed readings, use improperly calibrated radar, make procedural mistakes, and issue citations without adequate documentation.

A skilled Hudson Valley traffic attorney knows how to spot these issues and negotiate for reduced charges, fewer points, or full dismissals.

Do I need to go to court in person?

In most cases, no.
For tickets in New Paltz or anywhere across the Hudson Valley, we typically appear on your behalf, saving you from taking time off work, traveling back if you’re visiting from out of town, or spending hours waiting at a court session.

We handle the entire process for you.

I’m from out of state, does that change anything?

New York’s point system often “follows” drivers back to their home state through interstate agreements. The worst thing you can do is ignore or pay the ticket.
We regularly represent drivers from New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, and other states passing through the Hudson Valley for the holiday. We also represent international drivers who have received a ticket in New York State.

One quick call helps protect your home-state license and insurance.

Is it too late to get help tonight?

Not at all.
Thanksgiving Eve is one of our busiest nights of the year. We keep the phone on specifically for drivers who get ticketed today.

Why Call a Hudson Valley Traffic Lawyer Tonight

Hiring a lawyer now means you can avoid points, keep insurance rates from spiking, reduce fines, avoid court, and protect your license.

Whether your ticket was in New Paltz, Kingston Town Court, Kingston City Court, Poughkeepsie, Newburgh, Beacon, Woodstock, Lloyd, Milan, or anywhere else in the Hudson Valley, we can help immediately.

If you got a traffic ticket on Thanksgiving Eve, don’t wait until after the holiday. Your options are strongest right now.

Call us today for a no-cost, no-obligation consultation!