New York Waiver of Preliminary Hearing is a legal document that is signed by a criminal defendant who is charged with a criminal offense in a New York court. By signing this document, the defendant agrees to waive (or forego) their right to a preliminary hearing in front of a judge. The waiver allows the defendant's case to be sent directly to a New York grand jury for indictment. There are two types of New York Waiver of Preliminary Hearing: an In-Person Waiver and an Absent Waiver. An In-Person Waiver is a legal document signed by the defendant in the presence of a judge. An Absent Waiver is a legal document signed by the defendant and their attorney, but not in the presence of a judge.