How long is an arrest warrant valid?

An arrest warrant is valid until it is served, meaning that it remains enforceable until law enforcement acts on it to apprehend the individual named in the warrant. This aspect acknowledges the ongoing authority of the warrant, allowing for law enforcement to arrest the suspect at any time regardless of how much time has passed since the issuance of the warrant.

In practice, the validity of an arrest warrant does not expire like some other legal documents. It is designed to remain in effect until the arrest is made or the warrant is otherwise disposed of, such as being quashed by a court. This ensures continuous efforts in locating and apprehending suspects who may evade arrest initially. Therefore, emphasizing that a warrant lasts until it is executed reflects the importance of law enforcement's ability to act on it at any point deemed necessary.