Disobeying a traffic control device ticket, Upstate NY

Hi everyone. I was driving home tonight from my in-laws and got pulled over in upstate NY. The officer asked me why I thought he was pulling me over, and I told him I didn’t know. He told me I “blew through” two 30 mph signs at 51 mph. I told him I was transitioning from 55 to 30 and immediately began to slow to 30 as soon as I saw a sign, which is true. I was courteous but refused to admit to any wrongdoing. I said as little as possible, mostly just “okay” and “thank you.” He told me he was giving me a ticket for disobeying a traffic control device instead of speeding, basically doing me a favor.

I am unfamiliar with the area, had no intention of speeding, and was not driving unsafely. I have 0 points on my license and no history of speeding or any other traffic violation. Have never even been in an accident.

The ticket says I have to mail it in and plead guilty or not guilty. Is it worth pleading not guilty? We live 45 minutes away. I’m a teacher and can’t really go all the way to court in this town on a weekday. But I also don’t want points on my license for something I feel I didn’t do.