Once you are arrested you may be released through paying the bail amount. This is set by the court and it is an amount that must be met in order for you to be released from jail. It is an agreement between you and the court that if they release you, you will return to the court for your scheduled date. If you fail to show up, the bail amount will not be returned to you. Many people are unable to come up with the bail amount at such short notice and this is where a bondman may be hired to post the bond for you.