How is the reimbursement fee for a jury trial managed when a defendant does not appear?

The reimbursement fee for a jury trial is assessed during a hearing, which means that if a defendant fails to appear, the court will typically hold a hearing to determine the circumstances of their absence and decide on the appropriate course of action regarding the reimbursement fee. This process allows the court to evaluate the situation and make a decision based on the details of the case, including any justification the defendant may provide for their absence.

Assessing the fee during a hearing ensures that the decision is fair and considers the context of the defendant's failure to appear. This practice is part of ensuring that the court functions efficiently while also maintaining the rights of the defendants. The court's discretion is involved, but it's framed within a formal process that includes a hearing, which sets it apart from being automatically waived or assessed irrespective of circumstances.

The process ensures there is a formal evaluation rather than assuming the fee is never necessary, or it being solely up to the judge's discretion without any structured hearing. This balanced approach upholds the integrity of the judicial system.