Code of Criminal Procedure Article 35

After the prosecution has been commenced, a spouse, lineal blood relative, collateral blood relative within the third degree of kinship, head of the household, family member, or statutory agent of the accused or private prosecutor may apply to the court in a written, or in an oral statement, on the trial date, for permission to act as the assistant of the accused, or private prosecutor.An assistant may act upon the suit as described in this Act, and may make statements in the court. However, such statements may not be contrary to the clearly expressed opinion of the accused or private prosecutor. If the accused or suspect is unable to make a complete statement due to mental disorder or other mental deficiencies, he/she shall be accompanied by an assistant, as described in the first paragraph of this article, or by an authorized agent, or a social worker, appointed by a governmental agency or a relevant social welfare organization, or accompanied by other professionals. However, this rule does not apply, where the said accompanying assistant, after a legal notification is served, fails to appear in court without just cause.