For the purpose of judgment, if the conviction is for misdemeanor judgment may be pronounced in the defendant's absence, unless such defendant is represented by an attorney of record, in which event, said attorney must be present unless said attorney waives appearance in writing or unless the said attorney has been notified of the time and date of imposition of judgment and fails to appear.
R.L.1910, § 5944; Laws 1968, c. 202, § 1, emerg. eff. April 19, 1968.