Section 356 - Inquiry, trial or judgment in absentia of proclaimed offender

Trial in absentia may proceed against proclaimed offenders after prescribed procedural notices and safeguards, with limited appeal rights.

When a person declared a proclaimed offender has absconded to evade trial and is unlikely to be arrested, the statute deems that person to have waived the right to be present and permits the Court, after recording written reasons and after a prescribed waiting period, to proceed with a trial in absentia. The Court must first ensure issuance of consecutive warrants, publication of notice in a newspaper, informing a relative or friend, and affixation of notice at the offender's residence and police station. The accused is entitled to state funded counsel if unrepresented, depositions recorded in absence are admissible, audio video recording is encouraged, and appeals are limited unless the offender presents before the appellate court.