N.Y. Uniform District Court Act § 2002: Arraignment by mail

§ 2002. Arraignment by mail.

Notwithstanding any provision of the criminal procedure law, in any

criminal proceeding in which the district court has jurisdiction, and

where the defendant is not charged with a felony, the court may in its

discretion permit a defendant to file an appearance by mail instead of

appearing in person or by counsel. In any such case the court shall

inform him of the charge or charges against him, furnish him with a copy

of the accusatory instrument and inform him of his rights pursuant to

section 170.10 of the criminal procedure law. Such proceeding shall

thereafter continue in the manner otherwise provided by law.