The first Centralized Arraignment Part (CAP) in New York State's 8th Judicial District opened earlier this month in Chautauqua County. Judge Paula L. Feroleto announced that the Chautauqua County CAP opened on January 8th at the Chautauqua County Jail in Mayville. CAP is part of a statewide pilot program to facilitate the delivery of right-to-counsel services for indigent criminal defendants, as guaranteed by the federal and state constitutions and laws of New York. The Chautauqua County CAP conducts arraignments every day, including weekends and holidays, from 8:00-11:00 AM and 7:00-10:00 PM for conducting town and village justice court criminal arraignments. The establishment of CAPs ensures the availability of counsel for poor defendants, promotes efficiency, and reduces the burden on the various justice system stakeholders. There will be a formal ribbon cutting ceremony for the opening of the Chautauqua County CAP on Wednesday, January 23rd at 6:30 PM.
