What is a "capias" in legal terms?

A "capias" refers to a specific type of legal warrant that is used to compel an individual's appearance in court. When a capias is issued, it typically means that there is a judicial order requiring a person to come before the court, often because they have failed to comply with a previous legal obligation, such as a summons or a court order. This legal mechanism helps ensure that individuals fulfill their responsibilities to attend court proceedings.

In contrast, other options like a search warrant, notification of arrest, or motion for dismissal serve different functions within the legal system. A search warrant authorizes law enforcement to search a specific location for evidence of a crime, while a notification of arrest informs a suspect that they are being taken into custody. A motion for dismissal is a formal request made to a court to dismiss a case, which does not pertain to compelling attendance but rather to terminate ongoing legal proceedings.