A criminal summons is a written order issued by a court that requires the person named in the complaint to appear in court on a specific date and time to answer the alleged charge. It is used when the charge is minor, when the defendant does not have a criminal history, or when the prosecutor has negotiated for the defendant to receive a summons instead of an arrest warrant. A criminal summons is issued by a U.S. Magistrate or a Judge of a United States District Court. It is the same as a warrant, except it summons the individual named therein to appear before a U.S. Magistrate or Judge at a given time and location. The territorial limits of a criminal summons are anywhere in the United States or its territorial possessions. Service of a criminal summons is accomplished by delivering it in person or by leaving it at the defendants dwelling or place of abode. It may be left with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein, and mailing it to the defendants last known address. Service may be made by a United States Marshal, Deputy U.S. Marshal, or any other person specially appointed by the court. If the defendant fails to appear in court as directed on the summons, the judge may issue a bench warrant for the defendants arrest.