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 Engrossed 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 always
be allowed to be entered through counsel of record in the absence of the defendant and requires the
court to allow such plea by the filing of a sworn affidavit prior to the scheduled arraignment date.
(Amends C.Cr.P. Art. 833(B))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by House
The Committee Amendments Proposed by House Committee on Administration of Criminal
Justice to the original bill:
1. Provide that a plea of not guilty of a misdemeanor may always be entered through
counsel of record in the absence of the defendant and shall be allowed by the filing of a
sworn affidavit prior to the scheduled arraignment date.