What is the legal document signed by a judge that commands the arrest of a defendant?

The arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge that commands law enforcement to apprehend a specific individual. When a judge evaluates the evidence presented by law enforcement and determines there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed by the defendant, they issue this warrant. It provides law enforcement the legal authority to make an arrest, ensuring that the arrest complies with constitutional protections against unlawful detainment.

In contrast, a search warrant is related to the authority to search premises for evidence of a crime but does not pertain to arresting an individual. A subpoena is used to compel a person to appear in court or produce evidence, rather than to authorize an arrest. A citation, on the other hand, is typically used for lesser offenses, allowing a person to command a court appearance without the necessity of arrest. Thus, the arrest warrant uniquely serves the function of formally initiating the process to apprehend someone suspected of a crime.