Did you know that courts allow people to get out of jail after an arrest by paying bail? When they pay bail, it doesn't eliminate the charges they face, but it does provide a way out of jail now rather than later. If you need to get out of jail and are willing to pay bail, you should be prepared to follow the rules. You should also realize what happens when you skip bail. Here are three things to know.

How Bail Works

People who get arrested typically have two ways out of jail if they want a pretrial release. First, they can pay a cash bail. This option means that they pay the full bail price out of their pocket. Secondly, they can pay a fee to a bail bond agent, and the agent will bail them out.

In either case, courts only allow pretrial releases when the defendants agree to follow the rules. The primary rule is showing up to court on scheduled appearance dates. If you don't do that, the court views this as skipping out on bail.

What Skipping Out on Bail Means

The main thing you must agree to when the jail releases you early is showing up to court. A pretrial release is a freedom and right you have through the Constitution. It gives you the right to get released before your trial, but it does not give you the right to skip court. Your court hearings are vital for your case. Failing to show up is contempt of court and will land you back in jail.

A judge will instruct the courtroom to issue a warrant for your arrest. The police will look for you, and your bail bond agent will send a bounty hunter to find you.

Other Ways You Can Violate Bail

Skipping bail generally means not showing up to court, but there are other ways you can violate your bail, too. One way is by getting in more legal trouble. If you end up with another criminal charge while your current case is still pending, it is a violation of your bail. If you fail to do anything the court instructs you to do, it is considered violating bail.

Before you pay a bail bond agent to help you with your arrest, make sure you understand the rules of the arrangement. If you have questions, call a local agent today.