For the purpose of judgment, if the conviction be for an offense punishable by imprisonment, or imprisonment be assessed as punishment by the jury, the defendant must be personally present; if for a fine only, he must be personally present, or some responsible person must undertake for him to pay the judgment and costs; judgment may then be rendered in his absence.

(RSMo 1939 § 4100)

Prior revisions: 1929 § 3711; 1919 § 4055; 1909 § 5261