Opinion Number

Dear Mr. DeLacerda:

This office is in receipt of your opinion request in which you ask if justices of the peace can write warrants for felony offenses.

Code of Criminal Procedure Article 202, states as follows:

Art. 202. Warrant of arrest; issuance

A. A warrant of arrest may be issued by any magistrate, and, except where a summons is issued under Article 209, shall be issued when:(1) The person making the complaint executes an affidavit specifying, to his best knowledge and belief, the nature, date, and place of the offense, and the name and surname of the offender if known, and of the person…