Since its your first case , i recommend not to pay it. Its very unlikely to get it dismissed saying its your first offense; they generally don't care about that. It will screw your insurance and record for 3 year.
BTW Where in exactly you got ticket in NY? File not guilty asap ( if its in NYC they just give 15 days time ) and then find lawyer. I have some numbers of NY lawyers. let me know if you need. they will charge you but it will not show in your record.