27.18 (video pleas, I have heard in past that most Texas inmate are within 1 hour of suitable equipement at TDCJ that would allow them to plea by video, although I have never verified this with TDCJ)
27.19 (inmate in absentia pleas)
That said, I have never liked this practice. Even if you have the proper written waivers (waiver of JT must be in writing!), I don't like the fact that you wont have contemporaneous fingerprints on your judgment. How will you prove this up in future? If it is worth prosecuting the case at all, it is worth the hassle of bringing your inmate back to plead him guilt live with the judge and defense attorney.
Posts: 2138 | Location: McKinney, Texas, USA | Registered: February 15, 2001
CCP 27.14 (a) says in a misdemeanor case a plea may be made by either the defendant or his counsel in open court. That's always what I've seen quoted when a defense attorney wants to plea even though his client isn't there.
Posts: 200 | Location: San Marcos, Tx | Registered: June 12, 2012