Proceedings at Arraignment

(a) Pleas. A defendant may plead not guilty, guilty, or, with leave of the court in misdemeanor cases, nolo contendere. (b) Failure or Refusal to Plead. If the defendant, on arraignment, refuses or neglects to plead, stands mute, or pleads evasively, the court will enter a plea of not guilty and will set the case for trial. (c) Absence of Defendant. If the defendant is released on bail or recognizance, and does not appear to be arraigned, or as required by the bond or recognizance, the court may, in addition to forfeiture of bail, direct the clerk to issue a bench warrant to bring the defendant before the court. Comment