(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.
Official text of the Texas Code of Criminal Procedure as published by the Texas Legislative Council.