An arrest warrant is issued by a judge or grand jury when a law enforcement agency has conducted an investigation concluding that there is a reasonable belief, or “probable cause”, that an individual broke the law.
The arrest warrant is a legal document authorizing the police to arrest and detain a person. In most cases, the individual is not aware that an arrest warrant has been issued until the time of arrest.
Law enforcement officers may make an unannounced visit to an individual’s home or workplace to make an arrest. The subject is then brought to jail where they are detained without bail until they are taken to court before a judge for an arraignment, release hearing or other proceeding.