NY S06250

Repeals and replaces Article 185 of the criminal procedure law to authorize electronic arraignments in counties not wholly located within a city

Allows courts to conduct arraignments via secure audio-visual systems where defendant and other participants appear remotely but can simultaneously see and hear each other

Requires defendants to provide written waiver of their right to appear in person and consent to electronic arraignment, and only applies when personal appearance would cause unreasonable delay

Prohibits defendants from entering guilty pleas during electronic arraignments and requires stenographic recording of proceedings

Mandates approval from the chief administrator of the courts, certification by the public service commission that the audio-visual system meets security standards, and limits authorization to two-year periods subject to withdrawal at any time