An arrest warrant allows police officers to take a suspected crime offender into custody and hold them until they are able to get a court order to release the suspect. It is usually granted after a police officer or prosecutor develops a case that provides probable cause for the arrest. The presiding judge then signs off on the warrant.
To obtain a warrant the police will need to submit an affidavit to a judge or magistrate that lists facts showing probable cause that someone committed a crime. This affidavit must be made under oath and contain enough specific information to justify the belief that the alleged crime occurred. A very broad description that could apply to hundreds of people would not be sufficient to justify a warrant.
The affidavit and any supporting affidavits filed with it will then be reviewed by the magistrate or clerk who must sign off on the warrant. The presiding judge will only sign off on the warrant if he or she believes there is probable cause that a crime was committed and that the defendant is responsible. The presiding judge will also endorse the warrant if he or she believes that the offense is bailable and specify the amount of the bail.
It is important to remember that a warrant is still an active document, and police will be looking for the person listed on the warrant at their home or place of business. This is why it is a good idea to retain a Connecticut criminal lawyer right away. The lawyer can work with the police to arrange a convenient time and date to turn yourself in.