DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 200 Original 2022 Regular Session Brown
Abstract: Relative to misdemeanor prosecutions, requires the court to allow a plea of not guilty by
the filing of a sworn affidavit when a defendant is absent.
Present law requires a plea of not guilty of a misdemeanor to be entered through counsel of record
and in the absence of the defendant by the filing of a sworn affidavit prior to the scheduled
arraignment date.
Proposed law amends present law to provide that a plea of not guilty of a misdemeanor may be
allowed to be entered through counsel of record. Further provides that in the absence of the
defendant, such plea shall be allowed by the filing of a sworn affidavit prior to the scheduled
arraignment date.
(Amends C.Cr.P. Art. 833(B))