Massachusetts § 20A - Warrant to apprehend on oath or affidavit; copies of papers attached

Full text of Massachusetts Massachusetts General Laws § 20A — Warrant to apprehend on oath or affidavit; copies of papers attached, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 20A. Warrant to apprehend on oath or affidavit; copies of papers attached

Section 20A. Whenever any person within this commonwealth shall be charged, on the oath of any credible person before any court or justice in this commonwealth authorized to issue warrants in criminal cases, with the commission of any crime in any other state, including cases arising under section thirteen, with the exception of cases for which the governor shall not surrender a person under said section 13, or with having been convicted in such other state and having escaped from confinement or having broken the terms of his bail, probation or parole, or whenever complaint shall have been made before any such court or justice in this commonwealth setting forth, on the affidavit of any credible person in another state, that a crime has been committed in such other state and that a person has been charged in such state with the commission of a crime, including cases arising under section thirteen, with the exception of cases for which the governor shall not surrender a person under said section 13, or with having been convicted of a crime in that state and having escaped from confinement or having broken the terms of his bail, probation or parole, and is believed to be in this commonwealth, such court or justice may issue a warrant directed to any officer authorized to serve warrants in criminal cases commanding him to apprehend the person named therein, wherever he may be found in this commonwealth, and bring him before the same or any other such court or justice convenient of access to the place where the arrest may be made, to answer the charge or complaint and affidavit; and a certified copy of the sworn charge or complaint and affidavit upon which the warrant is issued shall be attached to the warrant.

Source: official Massachusetts text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Massachusetts § 20A

What does Massachusetts General Laws § 20A cover?

Section 20A ("Warrant to apprehend on oath or affidavit; copies of papers attached") is part of the Massachusetts General Laws, the codified statutory law of Massachusetts. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Massachusetts § 20A?

A common citation format is "Massachusetts General Laws § 20A" (Massachusetts). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Massachusetts law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Massachusetts official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Massachusetts attorney.

How does Massachusetts § 20A apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Massachusetts can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Massachusetts.