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.

In the United States, an arrest warrant must be supported by a signed and sworn affidavit showing probable cause that:

1. A specific crime has been committed, and

2. The person(s) named in the warrant committed said crime.

In most jurisdictions, an arrest warrant is required for misdemeanors that do not occur within view of a police officer. However, as long as police have the necessary probable cause, a warrant is usually not needed to arrest someone suspected of a felony.

A bench warrant is a variant of the arrest warrant. A bench warrant usually commands the arrest of someone for failing to show for a required court appearance.

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)