wants and warrants

[mhorvath]

Can anyone tell me what the difference between a "want" and a "warrant" is? I've looked on every legal terminology site I can find, but I can't find that. Thanks!

 

[Bravo8]

We often use the term "want" in regards to someone we (the police) are looking for, and generally have the requisite PC to make a warrantless arrest.

A "warrant" is obviously issued by a court, and used in this sense, I assume you mean an arrest warrant.

When stopping someone that just seems "squirrel-ly", we will often check "local wants and warrants" in addition to checking their wanted status through the NCIC system.

 

[mhorvath]

follow up question...

If someone is being held in one county for a want in another county, how long can he be held before he must be released? I thought there was a time limit on such things, but I may be mistaken.

Background here is as follows: Husband travelled to the state of FL to take care of an old (7 year old) warrant, posted the $1000 bond there, but is being held due to a want in another county. It's been 4 days now with no information being given to my husband, and no visit from attorney, and still no transfer to the other county. Thanks.