New York Consolidated Laws, Judiciary Law - JUD § 418. Proceedings, if defendant does not appear

If the defendant does not appear, the court, upon proof of service or publication as provided in the last two sections, may of its own motion, or for cause shown, assign another day or place for hearing the impeachment;  or may then, or at any other time which it may appoint, proceed in the absence of the defendant, to trial and judgment.