The Purpose

• A court serves a warrant of attachment when there is probable cause to believe that the witness received a subpoena and other necessary papers, but refused or purposely neglected to appear in court without providing a valid excuse. All pertinent documents are attached to the warrant of attachment, explains Tpub.com.
  
  

Reasons

• When someone who is supposed to be in court, such as a juror or witness, does not appear, the court can issue a warrant. A warrant may also be issued to demand the presence of an individual who has previously been held in contempt of court. When the court believes that someone has violated a suspended or deferred sentence this can be cause for a warrant.
  
  

The Outcome

• The judge issues the warrant of attachment, which the sheriff then serves or attempts to serve. The sheriff may then arrest the accused and bring him before the court, at which time he can speak up and place an answer to the offense, notes Legis.nd.gov.