What is required for an arrest warrant to be issued in North Dakota?

For an arrest warrant to be issued in North Dakota, the critical requirement is an affidavit detailing probable cause. This affidavit serves as a sworn written statement, which formally outlines the facts and circumstances that lead law enforcement to believe that a specific individual has committed a crime. The presence of probable cause is essential to uphold the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, ensuring that warrants are issued based on credible evidence rather than mere suspicion.

In this context, the affidavit must be sufficiently detailed to convince a judge or magistrate that there is enough evidence to justify the arrest. This process emphasizes the judicial oversight in the warrant issuance to protect individuals’ rights under the law.

Other options do not meet the legal requirements for issuing an arrest warrant. Verbal testimony from witnesses may contribute to building a case but is not sufficient in itself for warrant issuance. A written request from the accused would not be relevant, as it could undermine the enforcement of the law. Similarly, minimum sentence guidelines pertain to sentencing after a conviction rather than the process of obtaining a warrant for arrest. Thus, the necessity of the affidavit outlining probable cause is fundamental to ensure that legal standards are met when depriving someone of their liberty.