Define a capias.

Define a capias.

• A. A capias is a writ for sentencing
• B. A capias is a notice to appear by mail
• C. A capias is a written order issued by a judge after commitment or bail and before trial
• D. A capias is a warrant for immediate arrest issued by a private investigator

Answer: (C)

Capias is a court-issued written order directing law enforcement to arrest a person and bring them before the court, used to compel appearance before trial. It comes from a judge after the person has been charged and either held in jail or released on bail, and it is used to secure the defendant’s presence before the trial starts. It’s not a sentence, not simply a notice to appear by mail, and it isn’t issued by a private investigator—the capias is the court’s tool to enforce attendance and compliance with court orders prior to trial. For example, if someone misses a scheduled court date or violates bond conditions, a capias may be issued to arrest and bring them back before the court.

Capias is a court-issued written order directing law enforcement to arrest a person and bring them before the court, used to compel appearance before trial. It comes from a judge after the person has been charged and either held in jail or released on bail, and it is used to secure the defendant’s presence before the trial starts. It’s not a sentence, not simply a notice to appear by mail, and it isn’t issued by a private investigator—the capias is the court’s tool to enforce attendance and compliance with court orders prior to trial. For example, if someone misses a scheduled court date or violates bond conditions, a capias may be issued to arrest and bring them back before the court.