Arrest Warrant

An arrest warrant is a formal document issued by a judge and given to the police that orders the arrest and detention of a person. An arrest warrant typically will be issued after a Grand Jury indictment or when law enforcement reasonably suspects (has probable cause to believe) that a crime has occurred. Once arrested, a suspect is brought to jail and booked. He/she will then be taken to court within 48 hours. In most situations, people are not aware that an Arrest Warrant exists until the police are in the process of arresting them. See also, Arrest, Bench Warrant. Click here for more information about Arrest Warrants.