Traffic Enforcement & Prosecution

The major thoroughfare through the Town of Copake is NY-22, which runs the length of town. While Copake is fairly rural, there is still noticeable traffic enforcement within the township. Enforcement is handled by the NYS Police from "Troop K" and Copake Town Police.  Due to budgetary constraints, the Town currently employs only 8 part time officers. Consequently, the number of tickets written annually has steadily decreased over the last ten years . The speed limit along most highways is under 55 mph, so speeding tickets may be written for speeds under 10 mph over the limit. Stationary radar and laser speed detection are widely used. In addition, the police will look for miscellaneous vehicle and traffic violations in the more residential areas.

Traffic Court

Both town justices have "traffic calendars," which are devoted to adjudicating traffic tickets.  The NYS Police are prohibited from negotiating plea bargains on traffic violations.  As a result, the Columbia County District Attorney’s Office handles tickets written by the NYS police.  95% of state police tickets are adjudicated through plea bargains with the prosecutor. The Prosecutor and both judges are reasonable about plea bargains as long as the speed is not too high.

Local police officers generally prosecute their own tickets, though the prosecutor may substitute for them.  Again, most tickets are resolved through plea bargains.

Expect a line of people waiting to talk to the prosecutor about a plea bargain.  A 1 hour wait is typical. Attorneys are permitted to appear without their clients being present for traffic court.