Arrest Warrant Definition and Legal Meaning

On this page, you'll find the legal definition and meaning of Arrest Warrant, written in plain English, along with examples of how it is used.

What is Arrest Warrant?

(n) Arrest Warrant is the written order issued by a judge to the law enforcement officers to arrest a person who was believed to be committed or may do a crime if he is not stopped from his activities.

History and Meaning of Arrest Warrant

An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge that authorizes the arrest and detention of an individual. It is issued when there is probable cause to believe that the person has committed a crime. The warrant includes the name of the person to be arrested, the charge against them, and any other relevant information that may aid in the arrest.

Arrest warrants have been used for centuries as a method for law enforcement to apprehend individuals who have committed crimes. In the United States, arrest warrants are required for all arrests made outside of an officer's presence, with few exceptions.

Examples of Arrest Warrant

  1. Police officers obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect in the robbery case.
  2. The judge signed the arrest warrant for the wanted fugitive.
  3. The detective presented the arrest warrant to the suspect before taking him into custody.
  4. The court issued an arrest warrant for the defendant who failed to appear at his trial.
  5. The FBI issued a nationwide arrest warrant for the suspect in the kidnapping case.

Legal Terms Similar to Arrest Warrant

  1. Bench Warrant - a type of arrest warrant issued by a judge for failure to appear in court
  2. Search Warrant - a legal document that allows law enforcement officials to search a specific location for evidence of a crime
  3. Arrest - the act of taking a person into custody, typically for a crime they have committed
  4. Probable Cause - the level of suspicion that would lead a reasonable person to believe that a crime has been, is being, or will be committed