The Law Dictionary for Everyone
The capias warrant, also known as a “bench warrant” in certain jurisdictions, is a court order that is issued for the purpose of arresting someone to ensure that he will show up for a scheduled court appearance. For example, a capias warrant is an arrest warrant, not the kind of warrant that is required before the police conduct a search […]
Read moreThe Latin term capias literally means “you are to seize,” or “you should seize,” and is commonly used in the U.S. legal system to refer to a warrant issued by a judge directing law enforcement to arrest a specified person. Capias warrants are most commonly issued when a criminal defendant fails to appear in court for a scheduled hearing. By […]
Read moreA bench warrant is an arrest warrant issued by a judge or court, most commonly when a defendant fails to appear at a scheduled court hearing. This is also known as a “Failure to Appear,” or “FTA,” warrant. When a bench warrant is issued, it gives law enforcement agencies the authority to detain the defendant and bring him to court […]
Read moreWhile most people associate the term warrant with a legal document that allows police to search a specified place, the term actually has a more general meaning. A warrant is a written authorization, issued by a judge or magistrate, that permits a specified act that would otherwise be illegal, as it would otherwise violate a citizen’s rights. The warrant, sometimes […]
Read more
