Capias - Definition and Overview

An arrest warrant is a warrant issued by a public officer which authorizes the arrest and detention of an individual.

Warrants are typically issued by courts but can also be issued by houses of Congress or other legislatures (via the call of the house motion) and other political entities.

A bench warrant is a variant of the arrest warrant.

Conviction rates of arrestees

Within the United States approximately 50% of those arrested are eventually convicted, and 25% of those sentenced will spend a year or more in prison. (1)

References

• 1 -- Criminal Justice: A Brief Introduction by Frank Schmalleger (2002)

Example Usage of Capias