(a) The defendant, if charged with a misdemeanor and ordered to be committed to the county jail, may elect to perform hard labor for the county pending trial.

(b) It is the duty of the magistrate committing the defendant to inform the defendant of the right to make an election for hard labor, and of the advantages accruing by that election; and if the defendant so elects, the magistrate shall make an order allowing the defendant to do so and shall certify that election to the court at which the defendant is required to appear.

(c) It is the duty of the sheriff to carry every person in the sheriff's custody charged with a misdemeanor before the judge of the court of general sessions within twenty-four (24) hours after receiving the person into custody. It is the duty of the judge to inform the prisoner of the prisoner's right to make an election for hard labor and of the advantages accruing to the prisoner by that election; and if the prisoner elects to perform hard labor, the judge shall make an order allowing the prisoner to do so and shall certify that election to the court at which the prisoner is required to appear. If the prisoner is convicted when tried, it is the duty of the court in determining punishment to take into consideration the amount of labor performed by the defendant; and if the defendant is acquitted, the net amount so earned by the defendant under the election to perform hard labor shall be delivered to the defendant by the county trustee, who shall take the defendant's receipt therefor, which shall be the defendant's voucher.

(d) This section shall apply only to counties as may, by a majority vote of the county legislative bodies at a regular or special session, elect to avail themselves of the right to the labor of a defendant.

(e) The earnings of a defendant under this section shall be the same as that of a misdemeanant inmate and shall be paid to the county trustee and held by the trustee until the final disposition of the prosecution. If the defendant is convicted, it shall be applied by the trustee as the hire of convicts is applied.