What does a summons issued by a magistrate do?

• A. It gives notice that charges have been filed in court against him or her and gives the defendant a day and time to appear in court
• B. It serves as a civil complaint
• C. It instructs the defendant to pay a fine immediately
• D. It authorizes a search warrant

Answer: (A)

A magistrate’s summons is a criminal-justice notice that informs the person that charges have been filed and directs them to appear in court on a specific date and time. Its purpose is to bring the accused to court without immediate detention, with the consequence that not appearing can lead to arrest or further action. This differs from a civil complaint, which starts a private civil lawsuit; it isn’t an order to pay a fine immediately, which would be a separate payment notice; and it doesn’t authorize a police search, which is what a search warrant does.