19.2-259 - On trial for felony, accused to be present; when court may enter plea for him, and trial go on. - Virginia Statutes

§ 19.2-259. On trial for felony, accused to be present; when court may enterplea for him, and trial go on.

A person tried for felony shall be personally present during the trial. Ifwhen arraigned he will not plead or answer and does not confess his guilt thecourt shall have the plea of not guilty entered and the trial shall proceedas if the accused had put in that plea. But for the purposes of this sectiona motion for a continuance, whether made before or after arraignment, shallnot be deemed to be part of the trial.

(Code 1950, § 19.1-240; 1960, c. 366; 1975, c. 495.)