Which scenario would typically trigger a warrant rather than a juvenile summons?

• A. Minor graffiti offense
• B. Serious or highly involved offense
• C. A positive officer recommendation
• D. A cooperative juvenile

Answer: (B)

The scenario that typically triggers a warrant is when the offense is serious or highly involved. Warrants are used for offenses that are grave enough to justify taking the juvenile into custody and ensuring they appear in court, often because of risk to public safety, flight risk, or the severity of the charges.

For comparison, minor graffiti offenses are usually handled with a juvenile summons or diversion options rather than arrest, because they are considered low-risk and less serious. A positive officer recommendation or a cooperative juvenile doesn’t by itself justify a warrant; those factors are more likely to support alternatives to arrest, such as early court involvement without detention or a diversion plan.