What term describes a misdemeanor arrest warrant that requires immediate arrest rather than release on a summons?

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Multiple Choice

What term describes a misdemeanor arrest warrant that requires immediate arrest rather than release on a summons?

A capias describes an arrest warrant that requires immediate custody rather than release on a summons. In misdemeanor cases, many suspects can be released by summons to appear in court later, but a capias is issued when immediate arrest is necessary—often due to prior failure to appear or a risk to public safety. A summons merely orders appearance without arrest, and a writ of habeas corpus is used to challenge unlawful detention, not to authorize an immediate arrest.

A capias describes an arrest warrant that requires immediate custody rather than release on a summons. In misdemeanor cases, many suspects can be released by summons to appear in court later, but a capias is issued when immediate arrest is necessary—often due to prior failure to appear or a risk to public safety. A summons merely orders appearance without arrest, and a writ of habeas corpus is used to challenge unlawful detention, not to authorize an immediate arrest.

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