23A-26-9. Appearance of defendant--When required for verdict.If an indictment or information is for a felony, the defendant must, before the verdict is received, appear in person. If it is for a misdemeanor, the verdict may, in the discretion of the court, be rendered in his absence. In any case, if a defendant flees the jurisdiction of a court, the verdict may be returned in his absence. Source: SDC 1939 & Supp 1960, §34.3660; SDCL, §23-45-7; SL 1978, ch 178, §320.
South Dakota Legal Code