Fugitive Warrant

A fugitive warrant is an arrest warrant issued in one jurisdiction that authorizes law enforcement officers to take into custody a person who has fled to another jurisdiction to avoid prosecution or punishment. In California, fugitive warrants are issued by a California magistrate based on a verified (or unverified) complaint or an affidavit of a credible person from another state. (Penal Code Section 1551). In an unverified complaint, the complaint must charge that the accused is a fugitive from justice because the person has been charged with or convicted of a crime in another state, has escaped from confinement or has violated the conditions of his or her bail, probation, or parole. A verified complaint need only charge that the person committed a crime in another state or was convicted. (Penal Code Section 1551).

If you or someone you know has an outstanding fugitive warrant, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to resolve your warrant.