Art. 834.  When presence of defendant not necessary

The defendant has a right to be present, but his presence is not essential to the validity of any of the following proceedings in a criminal prosecution:

(1)  The making, hearing of, or ruling on a preliminary motion or application addressed to the court;

(2)  The making, hearing of, or ruling on a motion or application addressed to the court during the trial when the jury is not present; except as provided in Clause (4) of Article 831; and

(3)  The making, hearing of, or ruling on a motion or application made after his conviction.