What is a fugitive warrant?

A fugitive warrant, also known as an arrest warrant for a fugitive, is a legal document issued by a court or law enforcement agency authorizing the arrest of a person who is wanted for a specific criminal offense and is believed to have fled the jurisdiction or is evading arrest. Fugitive warrants are typically issued when a suspect fails to appear for a scheduled court hearing, violates the terms of their bail or probation, or is a suspect in a serious crime.

Once a fugitive warrant is issued, law enforcement officers have the authority to apprehend the individual named in the warrant and bring them before the court to face the charges against them. Fugitive warrants can be issued at the local, state, or federal level, depending on the nature of the offense and the jurisdiction in which the warrant was issued.

In some cases, a reward may be offered for information leading to the capture of a fugitive named in a warrant. Fugitive warrants are taken very seriously by law enforcement agencies, and individuals who are named in such warrants are considered to be a high priority for apprehension.