DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The Iowa Supreme Court says an employee fired because of missed work resulting from being thrown in jail may still be eligible for unemployment benefits.

The court reversed the Iowa Employment Appeal Board saying just because someone is in jail and they can't afford bail doesn't mean they've voluntarily quit their job.

The ruling means 28-year-old Sondra Irving of North Liberty qualifies for unemployment.

She was jailed for 27 days for assault after a November 2013 fight at home. Charges were later dropped but she was fired by University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics where she was a medical assistant.

Irving appealed the denial of unemployment benefits.

Four justices made up the court's majority but three others disagreed saying "being in jail is not a valid excuse for missing work."