What document does a judge issue to compel someone to appear for a minor offense?

A summons is the appropriate document used by a judge to compel someone to appear in court for a minor offense. It serves as a formal notification to the individual that they are required to attend a court proceeding, usually for a misdemeanor or civil matter. The purpose of the summons is to ensure that the defendant is aware of the charges against them and the time and place of the court appearance, allowing them to prepare for their case.

In contrast, a warrant is generally issued for arrest in connection with more serious offenses when the individual may be considered a flight risk or a danger to others. A citation, while it may also encourage an individual to appear in court, often serves more as a notice of a violation (like a traffic ticket) and does not typically have the same legal weight as a summons in terms of court orders. An indictment refers specifically to formal charges brought against someone following a grand jury's determination, which is used in felony cases rather than minor offenses.