Art. 17A.07. PRESENCE OF CORPORATION OR ASSOCIATION.  (a)  A defendant corporation or association appears through counsel.
(b) If a corporation or association does not appear in response to summons, or appears but fails or refuses to plead:
(1) it is deemed to be present in person for all purposes;  and
(2) the court shall enter a plea of not guilty in its behalf;  and
(3) the court may proceed with trial, judgment, and sentencing.
(c) If, having appeared and entered a plea in response to summons, a corporation or association is absent without good cause at any time during later proceedings:
(1) it is deemed to be present in person for all purposes;  and
(2) the court may proceed with trial, judgment, or sentencing.
Added by Acts 1973, 63rd Leg., p. 981, ch. 399, Sec. 2(D), eff. Jan. 1, 1974.