Tex. Code of Crim. Proc. Article 42.14
In Absence of Defendant

(a)

In a misdemeanor case, the judgment and sentence may be rendered in the absence of the defendant.

(b)

In a felony case, the judgment and sentence may be rendered in the absence of the defendant only if:

(1)

the defendant is confined in a penal institution;

(2)

the defendant is not charged with a felony offense:

(A)

that is listed in Article 42A.054 (Limitation on Judge-ordered Community Supervision)(a); or

(B)

for which it is alleged that:
(i)
a deadly weapon was used or exhibited during the commission of the offense or during immediate flight from the commission of the offense; and
(ii)
the defendant used or exhibited the deadly weapon or was a party to the offense and knew that a deadly weapon would be used or exhibited;

(3)

the defendant in writing before the appropriate court having jurisdiction in the county in which the penal institution is located:

(A)

waives the right to be present at the rendering of the judgment and sentence or to have counsel present;

(B)

affirms that the defendant does not have anything to say as to why the sentence should not be pronounced and that there is no reason to prevent the sentence under Article 42.07 (Reasons to Prevent Sentence);

(C)

states that the defendant has entered into a written plea agreement with the attorney representing the state in the prosecution of the case; and

(D)

requests the court to pronounce sentence in the case in accordance with the plea agreement;

(4)

the defendant and the attorney representing the state in the prosecution of the case have entered into a written plea agreement that is made a part of the record in the case; and

(5)

sentence is pronounced in accordance with the plea agreement.

(c)

A judgment and sentence may be rendered under this article in the absence of the defendant only after the defendant is notified by the court of original jurisdiction of the right to counsel and the defendant requests counsel or waives the right to counsel in accordance with Article 1.051 (Right to Representation by Counsel).

(d)

In this article, “deadly weapon” and “penal institution” have the meanings assigned by Section 1.07 (Definitions), Penal Code.

(e)

If a defendant enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere under Article 27.19 (Plea by Certain Defendants), the attorney representing the state may request at the time the plea is entered that the defendant submit a fingerprint of the defendant suitable for attachment to the judgment. On request for a fingerprint under this subsection, the county in which the defendant is confined shall obtain a fingerprint of the defendant and use first-class mail or other means acceptable to the attorney representing the state and the county to forward the fingerprint to the court accepting the plea.
Acts 1965, 59th Leg., vol. 2, p. 317, ch. 722.
Amended by:
Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 291 (H.B. 107), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.
Acts 2015, 84th Leg., R.S., Ch. 770 (H.B. 2299), Sec. 2.17, eff. January 1, 2017.

Source: Article 42.14 — In Absence of Defendant, https://statutes.­capitol.­texas.­gov/Docs/CR/htm/CR.­42.­htm#42.­14 (accessed Jun. 5, 2024).

42.02
Sentence 42.04
Sentence When Appeal Is Taken 42.05
If Court Is About to Adjourn 42.07
Reasons to Prevent Sentence 42.08
Cumulative or Concurrent Sentence 42.10
Satisfaction of Judgment as in Misdemeanor Convictions 42.011
Judgment Affecting an Officer or Jailer 42.012
Finding that Controlled Substance Used to Commit Offense 42.013
Finding of Family Violence 42.014
Finding that Offense Was Committed Because of Bias or Prejudice 42.14
In Absence of Defendant 42.015
Finding of Age of Victim 42.15
Fines and Costs 42.016
Special Driver’s License or Identification Requirements for Certain Sex Offenders 42.16
On Other Judgment 42.017
Finding Regarding Age-based Offense 42.17
Transfer Under Treaty 42.018
Notice Provided by Clerk of Court 42.019
Motor Fuel Theft 42.20
Immunities 42.21
Notice of Release of Family Violence Offenders 42.22
Restitution Liens 42.023
Judge May Consider Alternative Sentencing 42.23
Notification of Court of Family Violence Conviction 42.24
Prohibiting Contact with Victim 42.025
Sentencing Hearing at Secondary School 42.25
Filing of Reporter Notes 42.033
Sentence to Serve Time During Off-work Hours 42.034
County Jail Work Release Program 42.035
Electronic Monitoring 42.036
Community Service 42.037
Restitution 42.038
Reimbursement for Confinement Expenses 42.039
Completion of Sentence in Federal Custody 42.111
Deferral of Proceedings in Cases Appealed to County Court 42.122
[Adult Probation Officers of the 222nd Judicial District 42.0131
Required Notice for Persons Convicted of Misdemeanors Involving Family Violence 42.141
Battering Intervention and Prevention Program 42.151
Fees for Abused Children’s Counseling 42.152
Repayment of Reward 42.0175
Finding Regarding Certain Health Care Professionals 42.0181
Notice of Theft, Fraud, Money Laundering, or Insurance Fraud Provided by Clerk of Court 42.0182
Findings Regarding Tax Fraud 42.0183
Notice of Family Violence Offenses Provided by Clerk of Court 42.0191
Finding Regarding Victims of Trafficking or Other Abuse 42.0192
Finding Regarding Offense Related to Performance of Public Service 42.0193
Finding Regarding Offense Related to Conduct of Certain Corrections Employees 42.0194
Finding Regarding Felony Conviction 42.0196
Finding Regarding Offense Related to Performance of Public Service 42.0197
Finding Regarding Gang-related Conduct 42.0198
Finding Regarding Delay in Arrest of Defendant 42.0199
Finding Regarding Diligent Participation Credit 42.0371
Mandatory Restitution for Kidnapped or Abducted Children 42.0372
Mandatory Restitution for Child Victims of Trafficking of Persons or Compelling Prostitution 42.0373
Mandatory Restitution for Child Witness of Family Violence 42.0375
Mandatory Restitution for Child of Victim of Intoxication Manslaughter 42.01991
Finding Regarding Agreement on Parole Eligibility for Certain Defendants
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Accessed:
Jun. 5, 2024

Art. 42.14’s source at texas​.gov