Indiana Code Title 34. Civil Law and Procedure § 34-28-5-14

Sec. 14. If a person named as a defendant in a summons and complaint issued under IC 5-16-9-10, before the appearance date specified in the summons and complaint, mails or delivers the following to the court having jurisdiction over the action:

the court shall enter a judgment against the defendant for the violation.  An admission or plea of nolo contendere received by the court under this section (or IC 34-4-32-6 before its repeal) constitutes a written appearance and the defendant is not required to personally appear before the court.