NY S09198

Amends Criminal Procedure Law Section 340.40 to guarantee jury trial rights for defendants who plead not guilty to misdemeanor charges in local criminal courts.

Removes exception that previously allowed New York City Criminal Court to conduct single judge trials for misdemeanors with maximum prison sentences of six months or less.

Permits defendants to waive jury trial rights and consent to single judge trials at any time before trial.

Requires that when an information charges both a misdemeanor (eligible for jury trial) and other offenses, the defendant receives one jury trial rather than separate trials.

Takes effect on July 1 following enactment, with immediate authorization for courts to adopt necessary rules and regulations for implementation.