What’s The Difference Between A Summons And A Warrant?

 

Question: What’s the difference between a summons and a warrant?

Answer: If an individual defendant fails to appear in response to a summons, a judge may, and upon request of an attorney for the government must, issue a warrant. If an organizational defendant fails to appear in response to a summons, a judge may take any action authorized by United States law.

Read more in our blog: What is a Writ of Summons, and How is a Writ of Summons Delivered?