QUEEN of BAIL BONDS

I know the majority of people do not understand how bail bonds works. In my entire career two people have been very anti-bail bonds, feeling that bail agents prey on the poor. I've never heard anything so ridiculous in my life. You can only bail out of jail if you can afford it. Nobody is extorting money from the poor to get them out of jail. The right to a reasonable bail amount is in our Constitution. I am most definitely positive that the people that are against the idea of bail, have never been arrested.

With that being said, let me explain to you in very simple terms how bail bonds works. 

Each crime has a set bail amount. The bail agent puts up the full amount of the bail for you to the court, and you pay a premium. It is just like an insurance policy. You pay a premium to your car insurance every month,  yet you are covered for a certain amount...

The state of California mandates that we are to charge a 10% or 8% premium for this service. The bail agent gets the full amount of the bail that was put up for you back, when the case is over. 

As a client to a bail agent, your only obligation is to go to court. If you do not go to court the bail agent is held responsible for the full amount of your bail. At the very lowest that would be $10,000. So when I put up 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50 Thousand Dollars for you in the middle of the night, I'm trusting you. So when somebody doesn't go to court on something as trivial as a traffic warrant or a DUI violation, it's incredibly ungrateful and inconsiderate. A bail agent literally cannot sleep when they have a skip. Imagine if you put $30,000 on the line for somebody and then you cannot find them. It is beyond stressful. The fact is, that it's part of the job and you try to deal with the stress a little bit better each time. So you don't get ulcers or so that you don't lose your hair. It's an awful part of the job because I am in this business to get people OUT of jail. I'm not in business to put people in jail, that's the polar opposite of what I do! But I am not going to lose $20,000 or $50,000 or any money at all! With technology today people should know that it will catch up with them pretty quickly. So don't bail out if you cannot do the time, especially if it's going to be community service or something as trivial as that! It's amazing to me how people create a tiny little ball of trouble and then they snowball it into years of trouble and debt, and then they point the finger at everybody else and say this is why!

This blog is to give people a little bit of insight into this unique career. It is not easy, and it can be beyond stressful. This is why I always thank people as much as I can, because if you take the time, or even a moment to care or even think about what my business is up to, I sincerely appreciate that, & I thank you. 

QUEEN of BAIL, HOLLYWOOD & EL CHAPO

Catch my interview in this one hour documentary! I had a great time filming this. Originally we filmed the interview at slash's from Guns N Roses house in the Hollywood Hills. I dressed how I wanted to be perceived. I dressed to feel confident and comfortable. 

A few days later the producers called me and said let's do it again and let's get you more in your natural habitat as opposed to your work habitat. 

So I feel like I just put something on and didn't really think much of it. We changed the location from slash's house to Burbank Moto bike shop in Burbank.

They did the entire  interview with me leaning up against a chopper as if maybe it was mine. 

Be sure to watch the interview and please be kind!

“It’s a story Hollywood drools over: a ruthless real-world villain seeks the help of an Oscar-winning actor and a glamorous actress to immortalize him on the big screen,” the official description reads, claiming El Chapo was Penn’s personal “Treasure of the Sierra Madre.”

BAIL BONDS HOLLYWOOD

This weekend was busier than your typical Valentine's Day weekend. I dealt  with corrupt sheriff Jailer's, crooked Bail Agents, rude & incompetent sheriffs on the phone, and some polite police at the metro Detention Center in Downtown Los Angeles. 

If I saw more criminals getting arrested, I think I may be less critical of the sheriffs department. If I was sitting in the lobby and I heard about crime being stopped, or violence being stopped, or anything significant, again I would be less critical of the sheriffs and the police. But this is not what I hear. 

I have clients that are in custody on traffic violations, or drunk and disorderly, and I know that there is plenty of violence, rapes, burglaries and home invasion robberies going on. 

While I was sitting in the Parker center jail lobby, I saw a young man who looked very upset walking around in his socks, with a swollen eye and a bloody scrape on his nose. I couldn't help but ask him if he was OK. He told me that he came out of a Hollywood nightclub, could not find his car, (it was towed) and was mugged by three guys. They stole his shoes, the keys to his car and his wallet and his phone. When the cops show up they arrest the victim for being drunk in public. How shitty is that!? There's nothing that I hate more than a thief! Sometimes my career can be very frustrating but for the most part I know that I am helping my clients. Please be safe out there and maybe don't hate Mondays so much. If you didn't wake up in jail, be happy!!

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY from The QUEEN of BAIL

This weekend has been crazy busy! Typically weekends like New Year's Eve, Super Bowl Sunday, & Halloween, are the busiest times for me. This Valentine's Day weekend has been the busiest in years! I am open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, all cities and all jails! I feel very good about making some very stressed out people feel a lot better this weekend.  They are home to be with their wives, girlfriends, boyfriends and husbands, mothers and fathers. Enjoy this Valentine's Day and celebrate with love!

!

QUEEN OF BAIL at EL COMPADRES DTLA

Saturday was the Kemo the Blaxican Show. This is something I had been looking forward to for over a year. Kemo has been on tour and this was his first Los Angeles show in a while. I knew it was going to be a great show not only because Kemo was performing but also Breezewood La Connecta was on the bill and many of the Dead Silence Label acts. Place was packed, a lot of us know each other, it was good times, a cool venue and just great energy. Many of us support each other in Los Angeles and when we all get together it's undeniably strong. 

Breezewood La Connecta & I have worked together before at Mexica a few years back. I was excited to see them perform! BLC created excitement in the air and anticipation. They had two hot  girls come onstage like ring girls getting the crowd all riled up! They have a mystique about them, a completely original style! Their hip-hop is in both English and Spanish. They ended their show with gifts for their fans. RQOB's Dont get caught slippin T-shirts, stickers, music.. they had all kinds of stuff they were throwing out to the audience. 

Next up was the headliner Kemo the Blaxican. When he comes out, he commands that entire room. It's amazing, and also seems effortless. If you ever get the chance to see Kemo the Blaxican, do not pass it up! Everybody had a great time, it was a great night. Keep your eyes peeled for shows put on by Rek 1 & Battle Rabbit promoters, sponsored by these businesses, and performers like this. In Los Angeles good music still exists. They play, but you have to know about it. It's the real deal, some underground Los Angeles hip-hop! 

RAQUEL QUEEN OF BAIL BONDS

After 10 years in business, my sweet little mom broke out these pictures to remind me of my entrepreneurial beginnings. In 1996, I started a T-shirt line called "bombshell". I had a very simple baby doll T-shirt with embroidery over the heart, they didn't do very well. Then again in 2004 I came up with another apparel idea and called it, "Dirty Sweet". My ideas were abundant. I remember going full force with website ideas, store location, design and merchandise ideas galore. I remember this was my very first booth. I was extremely nervous. I only sold one T-shirt that day, and it felt heartbreaking. Two years later I got my bail agent license and here I am today. I believe that everything happens for a reason. It was a fantastic learning experience in so many ways. I learned so much from researching vendors, negotiating with them, the cost of wholesale compared to retail, and I also learned that sitting on inventory is the last thing I ever wanted to do! My mom showing me these pictures and telling me how proud of me she is felt incredible beyond words. Desire, tenacity, having a vision and staying focused is all it takes. Not being afraid of failure and not being afraid of all of your projects not going through is critical. Ideas & projects materializing may not happen. Never let that stop you. Stay strong! Never give up and keep moving forward! 

QUEEN OF BAIL ON B SIDE SHOW

Every Monday night the B Side Show goes on at 9pm! It's the late night show of the underground of Los Angeles! It's just like David Letterman except... like I said, the underground of Los Angeles !!! It's interesting, it's fun, it's cool. If you  haven't checked it out, you really should because it will go down in history no doubt.  www.bsideshow.net 

As I walked into the studio, they had a poster from the very first year they started in 2010. I was honored to be in that poster!  You can see some pretty cool names on that poster, people that have supported B Side's movement. 

As I sat there & saw how much they've grown over the years I felt very proud. The studio was operating like a well oiled machine. Nothing but respect, professionalism & quality was all around. Every Monday they have guests from all walks of life that can help our community either with a good time or a service or a product. I must thank Rabbit the host & Susie Placentia for being a wonderful hostess and Duke for taking these great photos!!! You can watch my interview by going on their website & click on episodes. 

QUEEN of BAIL at the QUEEN MARY

This weekend had so many things going on it was impossible to do them all. Partys, art openings.. But I decided to accept an invitation to the ICE CUBE show at the Queen Mary. VIP, & all access is how I like it! 

The concert was packed & huge! The artists to perform were Ashanti, T Pain, & of course Ice Cube among others. 

Back stage is definately better than being shoved around by hundreds of people that are a foot taller than me! Backstage was full but very relaxed and chill. There were cabana areas for the artists & their guests. Lil Eazy E was there and was super friendly, met everybody & took pictures.  I really had so much fun. Thank you to my friend that took me, & the friends that made it possible.

WEEKEND & THE QUEEN of BAIL BONDS

The weekend is here. There's always one thing people regret not doing... It's called a walk around the car. Walk around your car with the motor running, make sure all the lights work, make sure your turn indicators work, make sure that the light over the license plate is working...be sure you're running lights and brake lights work. Something as simple as a license plate light can get you caught slippin. 

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY FROM THE QUEEN of BAIL

WHO WAS SAINT VALENTINE? One legend contends that Valentine was a priest who served during the third century in Rome.  When Emperor  Claudius II decided that single soldiers made better soldiers than those with wives and families,  he outlawed marriage for young men, his potential soldiers. Valentine defied Claudius and performed marriages for young lovers in secret. When Valentine's action were discovered, Claudius ordered that he be put to death. (About 270 A.D.)

Pope Gelasius declared February 14  St. Valentine's Day around 498 A.D.

About 8 billion candy hearts were produced this year.

QUEEN OF BAIL AT IDLE HOUR

Growing up in the valley there was always this unique architectural design in North Hollywood on Vineland Ave. This building is 75 years old. Recently I've watched it finally get some attention and believe me I've been watching it. I drive past it every single day on my way to the gym. After patient years of waiting, after some relief of knowing that it was a historical building a wouldnt get torn down, it finally has been risen from the dead!!! This building has not only been remodeled and brought back to its original glory but it's been designed with beauty that's even better from its original glory!!! It is now called Idle Hour. They had openings Wednesday Thursday and Friday of last week. I went to the one on Friday night with a few of my girlfriends. Typically I will not ever wait in any line, but for this place, I gladly waited in line anxiously with anticipation. The outside of the building to view while I was waiting in line was a feast for my eyes. I'm not going to say anymore, you need to just go! It was beautiful ! We had a great time. I will go again and next time I will try the food. See you there! 

RAQUEL QUEEN OF BAIL

Okay I'm totally guilty of not blogging. So much has happened since last time I blogged. Of course I've been out and about all over Los Angeles. Museums, restaurants,  parties, nightclubs, things to do in Los Angeles are infinite. Bail has been very busy as well. I get lots of phone calls lots of questions and I'm always very grateful any time my phone rings. You can always follow me on Instagram to see my pictures of the coolest places in Los Angeles. Follow me on Instagram @raquelqueenofbail 

SUPER BOWL SUNDAY 2015

It's been a busy weekend so far! Domestic violence is the most popular charge that I seem to get on Super Bowl weekend. Honestly I am always, consistently more busy on Super Bowl weekend then I am on New Year's weekend. Be safe be careful and have fun this Sunday, don't drink and drive! 

2015 QUEEN OF BAIL

Everyday that you're not in jail be grateful! Sometimes we think too much about yesterday. Today is where you are, and this means obviously you made it home safe, woke up safe. Yesterday is gone..,Today I'm going to take this opportunity to be grateful for my dear friends. I'm a lucky girl. 

EASYRIDER 2015 BIKE SHOW TOUR

The EASYRIDER SHOW  was always a blast. This show is bringing in the new year with a bang! The new location is Long Beach Convention Center. This Saturday January 10th, 2015. I have had the privilege of being invited by the BORN FREE CYCLES shop to attend and do a meet & greet at their booth! I'll be doing a poster signing and sticker giveaway! I'm super excited. BORN FREE CYCLES  knows how to have a good time. Stop by their booth & say hi. Get your free RQOB poster.. See the hottest bikes and custom builds. See you there! 

RAQUEL QUEEN OF BAIL 2015

Wow it's already the 7th and it's my first post of 2015. Things of been so crazy busy, mostly parties,family, food, cocktails, shows, & events. 

I took a few days to breathe in and out & get a little bit of rest and start fresh for the new year. 

Los Angeles had over 200 arrests on the new year weekend, mostly drunk driving. As the new year starts the crime rate has had a spike in home invasion robberies and robberies on individual people, of course mostly women. Please be safe out there, be aware of your surroundings. Be especially aware in underground parking garages at night or anytime that you are alone. My motto,"don't get caught slippin" not only applies to getting caught by the police but also being caught slippin by a perpetrator. Happy new year everybody from your bond girl Raquel! 

MERRY CHRISTMAS from RAQUEL QUEEN of BAIL

It's up to you whether you take on the pressure of the commercialism of Christmas,  or if you enjoy it with the simple priorities of family, warmth, food, and spirituality. I sincerely hope everybody had a wonderful Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Now let's gear up for New Year's ...let's keep the party going! Don't get caught slippin! If you do call me, open 24/7- 365 days a year! All cities, all jails. State wide! 818-602-7676

QUEEN OF BAIL at David Mann Tribute CHOPPERFEST 2014

I love going out with my friends for a good time no doubt, but my mind is always on business and I wanted to promote my business at Chopoerfest. I would say the crowd was 75% male, and I must add not very receptive to taking a free sticker from me. So that's okay after 10 years in business nothing really fazes me at least nothing this trivial. So since I was getting rejected by trying to personally hand people my stickers I asked a few vendors if I could have a stack of my stickers at their booth. Now there is where I got a warm reception! Business owners understand the struggle and the hustle. I knew a bunch of people there and we had a great time! Burbank Moto was there, my good friends from Born Free Cycles were there,  my friends Chris and his wife Fiona from LA Speed Shop where there, and so many others! I also got a chance to meet some new people as well and I love that! 

RAQUEL QUEEN OF BAIL

This holiday season has been so busy I haven't had a chance to blog in over a week! With the toy run planning & promoting and last weekends hectic schedule I'm glad to be able to sit here with a cup of coffee & do some writing. 

The Born Free Cycles Toy Run was a major success! I knew it would be! Good people attract other good people and will always get a tremendous amount of support. Tin Horn Flats was super accommodating and cooperative with us and Anthony the general manager was a pleasure to work with. The place was packed. So you have to imagine everybody's drinking, the music is pretty loud, and it's a sardine can ...and not one person had anything but a smile on their face. The contributions and donations given to us made the raffle a really good incentive it was pretty badass! There was a fender for a motorcycle worth over $1000 dollars, there was hair products, there were motorcycle seats worth over $400 as raffle prizes... it was amazing. Everybody really came through. People brought toys by the bagful & we filled over six bins, all stuffed with toys. I had the best time ever and I really look forward to doing this again next year! I must thank everybody from Born Free Cycles to the BurbankTemporary Aid Center, Tin Horn Flats, every single person that came (and I'm pretty sure I said hi to you because I was all over the place) & every vendor that donated a raffle prize.. Suavacito Hair Products, Arlen Ness Motorcycles, GT Grips, Lowbrow Customs, Drag Specialties, La Pera, Biltwell, Skratches Garage, Klockwerks, Loser Machine, Hard Drive, Speed Merchant, and S&S  . Thank you again to everybody! Enjoy the pictures and we hope to see you come out next year!  It was a blast and a lot of needy families have toys for their children this Christmas! And last but not least I must thank my girl from cupcake cartel who made custom  RQOB cookies for the event. 

BORN FREE CYCLES TOY RUN Sponsored by RAQUEL QUEEN OF BAIL

It's the holiday season! This time of year, there are numerous amounts of turkey drives, blanket donations, food drives and toy runs. I think if we all just pick one or two benefits, & do the best we can ..we can feel good about being part of our community and helping people that are less fortunate at this time. 

I understand that everybody can not do all of these types of events. I'm invited to at least 4 or 5.  I'm choosing to do two for the holidays. So if you can't make it or Burbank is too far for you, please find my post on Facebook or Instagram and share it. If you can't attend or donate, you can spread the word so other people can have the opportunity to give. That means everything to me as much as a toy!!! Thank you to everybody for visiting my blog I really appreciate it!