When a defendant fails to respond to a summons issued by the court (judge), what type of order does the court issue?

• A. A capias
• B. A warrant of arrest
• C. A bench warrant
• D. A stay of proceedings

Answer: (A)

When a defendant doesn’t respond to a court summons, the court issues a capias. A capias is a writ directing law enforcement to arrest the person so they can be brought before the court to answer or to explain their absence. It specifically enforces attendance after a summons. A bench warrant is issued for failure to appear in a specific proceeding and is related but not the initial enforcement tied to a summons; a warrant of arrest is a general arrest order not necessarily tied to failing to respond to a summons; and a stay of proceedings pauses the case rather than arresting someone.