Most people don't know much about being arrested...until it happens. The U.S. justice system relies heavily on bail to ensure that people accused of crimes appear in court. Understanding how bail works, including out on bond rules, is important. Unfortunately, a lot of people believe five common myths. Believing these myths can get you into trouble and/or result in more time spent in jail.

Here are the five common myths and the reality:

Fortunately, this isn't true...this is why bail bondsmen exist. We pay the bail for you, taking a fee (typically a percentage of bail). When you show up, we get our money back. We keep the fee to cover the cost of our services.

We will typically ask for some form of collateral to cover our costs if you skip out on the court, but with a bail bondsman, most people can afford bail. If you can't afford the fee, there are options.

Yes and no. Being out on bail keeps you from having to sit around in jail. However, there are rules when out on bond. Breaking them can result in going back to jail. The most basic rules are:

1.) No weapons, even if legally obtained. If you own weapons, have a friend look after them until your court date. If you live with somebody who owns weapons, they will have to remove them from your home.
2.) No drugs. We recommend avoiding alcohol, as being caught drunk and disorderly or driving under the influence will get you back in jail. If your case involves alcohol, don't drink.
3.) Avoid anyone involved in the case.
4.) Adhere to a curfew. This typically means you need to be at home during certain night hours. Delaware County has no fixed curfew - the judge will determine it.
5.) For juveniles, it is important to maintain or seek employment or stay in school.
6.) No travel beyond a certain distance set by the judge.

Depending on the case, you may also have other restrictions. You are required to attend all court dates.

The court does require bail to be paid, but using a bail bondsman means you don't have to pay the full amount unless you forfeit it, in which case the bondsman will require the money or collateral.

Bail is not necessarily cash. You may be able to charge it to your credit or debit card (although with a service fee). You might also be able to post bail based on property or assets such as letters of credit or stock certificates.

Bail is used to ensure people show up to their trial and court dates. While our system assumes people are innocent until proven guilty, whether or not you committed the crime has no bearing on whether you will need bail or how much it is.

Rather, bail is a way to help people who are innocent stay out of prison.

A bail bond is a surety paid by somebody else, typically a professional bail bondsman. A bail bondsman pays the bail, so you don't have to pay it. You are then bonded to pay that money, typically by using collateral.

These are not the same thing. If you pay cash bail yourself, there is no bond involved.

At Delco Bail Bonds, we are professional, experienced bail bondsmen who seek to help you through this difficult time. We can help you understand the out-of-bond rules handed down by the judge. It's in our interest to keep you from forfeiting the bond, so we will guide you through the process and help you get to your court dates. Contact us any time of day or night for the help you need.