Arrest Warrants Quiz

Procedures for Obtaining and Executing Arrest Warrants

• An arrest warrant is a written order issued by a judge to bring a defendant who is believed to have committed a criminal offense before the court.
• An officer can only obtain an arrest warrant if they have probable cause, which must be sworn to.
• The Cloud Gavel electronic warrant application is the preferred method for submitting warrant applications for misdemeanors and felonies.
• All electronic warrant applications must be based on probable cause and include pertinent information about the suspect.
• If probable cause is found by the State Attorney’s Office, the electronic warrant is forwarded to a County or Circuit Court judge for approval and issuance.
• All warrant applications for juveniles must be submitted through the standard warrant application process.
• The standard warrant application process may be used with supervisor approval for warrant applications that cannot be submitted through the Cloud Gavel system.
• All warrant applications must be based on probable cause and reviewed by a supervisor before submission.
• Once issued, a copy of the warrant is delivered to the appropriate Clerk of Circuit Court or Clerk of the County Court.
• Upon affecting an arrest on an arrest warrant, the defendant will be transported to the St. Lucie County Jail.
• Misdemeanor warrants will be the responsibility of the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Department unless the warrant needs immediate attention or an officer comes into contact with the wanted subject before the Sheriff's Department serves the warrant.
• When an arrest is made on a warrant originated by the Port St. Lucie Police Department, the true-seal warrant copy, if available, shall be left with jail personnel.