A judge who has the authority to hear a case has the authority to issue a capias.

• A. Only for felonies
• B. Only when the defendant is in custody
• C. False
• D. True

Answer: (D)

Capias is a writ that orders law enforcement to arrest someone and bring them before the court. A judge who can hear a case has the power to enforce the court’s orders, so that judge can issue a capias when a defendant fails to appear or to comply with a court directive. This authority isn’t limited to felonies; capiases can be used in misdemeanor cases as well, and they’re not restricted to someone who is already in custody—the goal is to secure the person’s presence in court. So, the statement is true.