What is the difference between a warrant and an arrest?

A warrant and an arrest are both steps of the criminal justice system that involve law enforcement and can lead to criminal charges. The main difference between a warrant and an arrest is that a warrant is a document issued by a judge or magistrate allowing law enforcement to conduct an arrest or search, while an arrest is the physical act of taking an individual into custody. A warrant is issued by a judge or magistrate based on information provided by law enforcement. This information must show that there is probable cause to believe that a crime has been committed and the person named has committed the crime. Once the information is submitted, the judge reviews it and decides if the warrant should be issued. If the warrant is issued, law enforcement can then arrest the person named in the warrant. An arrest, on the other hand, does not require a warrant. An arrest is the physical act of taking an individual into custody. Law enforcement can arrest someone without a warrant if they have probable cause to believe the individual has committed a crime, or if they witness the individual committing a crime. In Alabama, drug crimes are taken very seriously and can result in harsh penalties. Law enforcement will use both warrants and arrest to apprehend individuals suspected of drug crimes and bring them to justice.

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What is the difference between a warrant and an arrest?

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