Art. 45A.262 DISCHARGED FROM JAIL

If you get put in jail because you couldn't pay a fine and court costs, you have a way to get out early. You can file what's called a habeas corpus request, which is basically asking the court to release you. There are two ways to qualify for release.

First, you can show that you're indigent, meaning you truly don't have the money to pay the fine and costs. Second, you can show that you've already spent enough time in jail to "pay off" what you owe. The court gives you credit of at least $150 for each set period of time you serve.

The judge decides ahead of time how many hours count as one of these credit periods. That period has to be at least 8 hours long, but no more than 24 hours. So depending on how the judge sets it up, you might earn $150 in credit for each full day you spend in jail, or possibly less time if the judge sets a shorter period. Once you've served enough time to cover the full amount you owe, you're entitled to be let out.