Which event requires a capias to be issued?

• A. Forfeiture of bail
• B. The defendant's arrest
• C. The filing of charges
• D. The completion of a trial

Answer: (C)

A capias is a writ that directs a law enforcement officer to arrest a person and bring them before the court. It is used to compel attendance when someone has a scheduled appearance or must answer to charges. In this context, issuing a capias is triggered by the filing of charges because once charges are on file, the court expects the accused to appear for arraignment or a first appearance. If the person cannot be located or fails to appear, a capias is issued to secure their presence in custody. The other events—bail forfeiture, the defendant’s arrest, and the completion of a trial—do not by themselves require issuing a capias: bail forfeiture is a consequence of not meets bail conditions, arrest occurs through standard police action or warrants, and a trial’s completion ends the case rather than creating a need for a capias.