May the court require an adult defendant's personal appearance if the defendant delivers the plea of guilty or nolo contendere and a waiver on or before his appearance date?

• A. Yes.
• B. No.
• C. Only if the defendant requests it.
• D. Only if the charge is a felony.

Answer: (B)

When a defendant chooses a guilty or no contest plea and signs a waiver of appearance before the appearance date, the court may accept the plea and proceed without the defendant being physically present. The key idea is that the waiver shows the defendant’s consent to forgo in-person appearance, and with proper counseling and a knowing, voluntary plea, the disposition can move forward even in the defendant’s absence. This applies regardless of the charge type; the court isn’t compelled to require personal appearance simply because a plea has been entered. The defendant’s presence isn’t required if a valid waiver has been provided and accepted.