Section 597 — Criminal Code: Bench warrant

Where an indictment has been preferred against a person who is at large, and that person does not appear or remain in attendance for his trial, the court before which the accused should have appeared or remained in attendance may issue a warrant in Form 7 for his arrest. A warrant issued under subsection (1) may be executed anywhere in Canada. If an accused is arrested under a warrant issued under subsection (1), a judge of the court that issued the warrant may make a release order referred to in section 515. A judge who issues a warrant may specify in the warrant the period before which the warrant shall not be executed, to allow the accused to appear voluntarily before a judge having jurisdiction in the territorial division in which the warrant was issued. Where the accused appears voluntarily for the offence in respect of which the accused is charged, the warrant is deemed to be executed.