WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CRIMINAL SUMMONS AND A WARRANT IN MISSOURI?

What’s the Difference Between a Criminal Summons and a Warrant in Missouri?

If you’ve received notice that you’ve been charged with a crime in Missouri, you might be wondering:

“Am I being arrested? What’s the difference between a summons and a warrant?”

At KC Defense Counsel, our amazing and experienced Kansas City criminal defense lawyers near you help people across Kansas City respond quickly and correctly to criminal charges. Understanding the difference between a criminal summons and an arrest warrant can make all the difference in how your case begins and how it ends.

FIRST OFF….WHAT IS A CRIMINAL SUMMONS?

A criminal summons is a legal document issued by a judge ordering you to appear in court to answer criminal charges. You receive it by:

• Mail
• Personal delivery (often by a process server or law enforcement)

A summons means you are not being arrested. Instead, the court is giving you a chance to appear voluntarily. It will include:

• The charges filed against you
• The name of the court
• The date and time you must appear

Failure to appear can result in an automatic bench warrant for your arrest.

WHAT IS A WARRANT?

An arrest warrant, on the other hand, gives law enforcement the power to take you into immediate custody. It is issued when:

• A judge determines there’s probable cause you committed a crime
• You’ve missed a court date
• You’ve violated probation or failed to pay fines

If a warrant is active, you can be arrested:

• At home
• At work
• During a routine traffic stop
• While traveling

Once arrested, you’ll be booked into jail and brought before a judge, usually within 48 hours.

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SUMMONS AND WARRANT IN MISSOURI

Summons:

• You appear voluntarily.
• No jail time (if you appear).
• Usually for lower-level offenses or first-time charges.
• You’ll be informed by mail.

Warrant:

• Police arrest you.
• May involve jail booking.
• Often for serious crimes or failure to appear.
• You may not know until you’re arrested.

Both are serious legal matters, but a summons gives you a chance to handle things calmly and proactively with legal counsel.

WHICH CHARGES MIGHT TRIGGER A SUMMONS IN MISSOURI?

You’re more likely to receive a summons instead of a warrant if:

• The charge is a non-violent misdemeanor
• You have no prior criminal history
• You’re not considered a flight risk
• You have a stable address and ties to the community

Charges that often result in a summons include:

• Shoplifting
• First-time drug possession
• Minor assault
• Property damage
• Traffic related misdemeanors

WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU GET A SUMMONS OR LEARN OF A MISSOURI WARRANT?

If you receive a summons:

• Do not ignore it.
• Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately
• Gather your documents and prepare for court

If you suspect or know there’s a warrant:

• Do not wait to be arrested
• Call KC Defense Counsel—we can often file a motion to quash the warrant, arrange a court date, or negotiate bond terms in advance

KC DEFENSE COUNSEL HELPS WITH BOTH SUMMONSES AND WARRANTS

Whether you’ve received a summons or are facing an arrest warrant, our skilled Kansas City criminal defense team can help you:

• Avoid jail
• Protect your rights in court
• Fight the charges from day one

The sooner you contact us, the more options we have to resolve your case favorably.

HIRE AN EXPERIENCED KANSAS CITY CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY TODAY

If you’ve received a criminal summons or believe there’s a warrant for your arrest in Missouri, don’t wait. You need an affordable and knowledgeable Kansas City criminal lawyer on your side.

Contact KC Defense Counsel today for a free case evaluation. We’ll guide you through your next steps and fight to protect your freedom. Don’t take on the Missouri legal system alone. Get help today.