A. Upon making his appearance before the court, the defendant shall be arraigned. A Municipal Judge or the City Attorney shall read the complaint to the defendant, inform him of his legal rights, including the right of trial by jury, if available, and of the consequences of conviction, and ask him whether he pleads guilty or not guilty. If the defendant pleads guilty, the court may proceed to judgment and sentence or may continue the matter for subsequent disposition. If the defendant pleads not guilty and the case is not for jury trial, the court may proceed to try the case or may set it for hearing at a later date.
B. Any person who shall violate the provisions of this section by failing to appear in the Municipal Court shall be deemed guilty of an offense and upon conviction thereof shall be punishable as provided in Section 1-12 of this Code.
(Code 1991, § 6-127)