Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) Practice Exam

A Capias is defined as a legal order for an arrest that is typically issued by a court or a clerk of courts. This type of order is used when an individual has failed to comply with a court order, such as not appearing for a scheduled court date or not adhering to the terms of a previous ruling. The purpose of the Capias is to ensure that the individual is brought before the court to address the matter at hand, thereby facilitating the judicial process.

Understanding this function is crucial for law enforcement, as officers may be tasked with executing the Capias, leading to the apprehension of individuals who are avoiding legal accountability. This enhances public safety by ensuring that individuals involved in legal proceedings are properly managed and that the enforcement of court orders is upheld.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately represent what a Capias is. A warning issued by law enforcement typically serves as a notification rather than a legal directive for arrest. A bail arrangement pertains to the securing of release from custody pending trial, while a plea agreement is a negotiated resolution between the prosecution and defense in a criminal case. None of these reflect the specific legal function of a Capias as an arrest order.