What is a civil warrant?

A civil warrant is a court order that authorizes law enforcement officials to detain an individual or search a property in connection with a civil lawsuit. Civil warrants are issued in response to a complaint filed by a plaintiff or creditor who seeks to recover damages or enforce a legal right. Unlike criminal warrants, civil warrants do not involve any criminal charges, and their purpose is purely civil in nature. Civil warrants may be used to compel a party to appear in court, produce documents or evidence, pay a debt or comply with some other legal obligation. Failure to comply with a civil warrant can result in fines, imprisonment, or other penalties as determined by the court.