An arrest warrant is a legal document issued by a judge or magistrate of a court that authorizes the arrest and detention of an individual suspected of committing a crime. It is a warrant issued by a court of law that authorizes the police to arrest and detain a suspect in order to bring them before the court. Arrest warrants are issued for a variety of crimes, ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. There are two types of arrest warrants: bench warrants and criminal warrants. A bench warrant is issued when an individual fails to appear in court as ordered. A criminal warrant is issued when there is probable cause to believe a crime has been committed. Arrest warrants are generally served on the individual by a law enforcement officer, and the individual is brought before the court to answer to the charges. Depending on the severity of the crime, the individual may be held in custody pending a court hearing or released on bail.