Knowra Arrest warrant Arrest warrant An arrest warrant is a judicial order authorizing law enforcement to arrest a named person. It is generally issued after a judge finds a sufficient legal basis, such as probable cause, to believe the person committed an offense.
Probable cause : A reasonable basis, grounded in specific facts, to believe that a crime occurred or that a person committed one. In the United States, probable cause commonly supplies the evidentiary threshold for issuing an arrest warrant.
Warrantless arrest : An arrest made without a warrant, permitted under specified legal circumstances. It is an alternative route to custody when law allows arrest without prior judicial authorization.
First appearance : A criminal defendant's initial court hearing after arrest, where charges and basic rights are addressed. A person arrested under a warrant is generally brought before a court for an initial appearance.
Indictment : A formal accusation of a crime, typically issued by a grand jury. An indictment can lead a court to issue an arrest warrant for the accused.
Affidavit : A written statement of facts confirmed by oath or affirmation. An officer often presents sworn facts in an affidavit to support a warrant application.
Bench warrant : A warrant issued by a court, commonly after someone fails to appear or obey a court order. It is a particular kind of arrest warrant arising from a court proceeding rather than an ordinary criminal investigation.
Bail : A legal process for releasing an accused person from custody while a case is pending, sometimes subject to conditions or payment. After an arrest, bail may determine whether the person remains in custody before trial.
Criminal complaint : A formal document alleging that a person committed a criminal offense. A complaint may begin a prosecution and provide the allegations supporting an arrest warrant.
Warrant application : A formal request asking a judicial officer to issue a warrant, supported by facts and legal grounds. It is the procedural step in which investigators ask a judge to authorize an arrest.
Search warrant : A judicial order authorizing a search of specified places or items for evidence. It authorizes a search, whereas an arrest warrant authorizes taking a named person into custody.
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