§ 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.