New York Consolidated Laws, Uniform District Court Act - UDC § 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.