QUEEN OF BAIL at COURT

Part of my service to my clients is being with them in court as opposed to them having to go alone. Sometimes family members are out of town or cannot get a day off of work. I am honored to be there for my clients because this means they have the utmost trust in me as their bail agent.

Now, we all know I've had my run-ins with Sheriffs, and I'm pretty sure everybody knows that I am not their biggest fan. With that being said, let me make it crystal clear I have no problem eating some humble pie when needed to get what I want. Also, I must make it be known that my theory is that with politeness, being professional, and not using any profanity is the only way to get what you really want. That's not to say that I have never told a client or Sheriff exactly where they could go.... But I guarantee you I needed nothing from them when I said it.

Today's client was a first time offender. The family and defendants goal was to have the felony reduced to a misdemeanor, and the ability to make payments on the restitution fees. The normal procedure is the public defender comes out, calls his clients name, a brief meeting (with the defendant and typically at least one family member, friend or spouse) is had.  It is safe and plausible to suggest the possibility of a question or two may arise.

The public defender comes out sees me standing next to my client, doesn't ask who I am and says "you're not allowed to be in this conversation you will have to wait over there." No hello, no introduction, no handshake, no professional courtesy whatsoever. OK fine, I proceed to introduce myself politely and say I am here as a courtesy to my client, unfortunately his legal guardian could not be here and I am here to advise. He raised his voice in the court room and said "no, you're not allowed to be here you're disrupting this court room and you are not allowed to be here and I am his attorney and I have attorney-client privilege."  Again politely, I said sir, could you please lower your voice I'm only trying to save you some time of having to explain the scenario twice. He said I'm not explaining anything to you, he said you're not allowed to be in this conversation and you need to leave! At that point I looked at my client and I said let's go outside and talk for minute. This enraged the public defender so much that he yelled out for the bailiff to come over to where we were standing. Again he yelled " I'm his attorney" and I said you're his public defender and we are eligible to receive another public defender if we feel necessary. The bailiff asked what was going on, the public defender said I need her removed from the court room. My client and I had already started walking out of the court room. The bailiff could see that the public defender was the only one yelling and the only one riled up. The sheriff was actually quite cooperative with me and I calmly explained to him that typically nobody has any kind of consultation with an attorney on their first criminal court case ever without somebody there with them and that it is the adviseable thing to do. The bailiff agreed, and totally understood. Since the attorney would not discuss anything with me I had to instruct my client what questions to ask the public defender. Which he did. We then go sit in the court room chairs. The bailiff then comes up to me and says may I speak with you for a moment, I said sure. We walk to the back of the court room and he said to me I'm sorry ma'am I'm going to have to ask you to leave the court room on the request of the attorney. I very calmly and politely said oh sheriff I'm so sorry I'm unable to comply with that request. I said I have client privilege as well, as he's out on my bond. I have every right to be here. 

The sheriff bailiff could not argue with that, and said let's just keep it cool and I said of course. Again the sheriff was cooperative and nice with me. The public defender did some good, but ignored my clients need to make payment installations and my client is now is behind the eight ball. I'm sharing the story with you for many reasons. The first reason is to know that you are not stuck using a public defender that is a total and complete rude jerk! It turns out that he treated everybody the same way and would not discuss matters with anybody other than the defendant. You could see every defendant brought a husband or a wife or a friend. A public defender can be fired and another public attorney will be assigned to you and if you don't like that one he can be fired as well! The other thing that is so important here is to never let yourself be bullied by a suit, or a badge. This has no contingency on what color my skin is, or what I'm wearing, it's all in how you handle yourself. This may sound entirely frustrating to you, but to me it gets a big eye roll because it's so common. Court rooms are filled with puffy chested attorneys, district attorney's, public defenders, Judges,  bailiffs, Sheriffs and defendants too! Know your rights, have my number ready. Call me if you need me. If I don't have the answer, I can get it for you. Never get caught slippin! Thank you for taking the time to read my blog.

QUEEN of BAIL NEW SIZZLE REEL

As you know everywhere I go, I either give somebody my card or put it where people can see it. At my regular juice spot they have a bulletin board and of course my business card is on it. This being Studio City, Toluca Lake area, there are studio types everywhere. We have Universal Studios, & CBS Studios.  Burbank is our neighbor and they have many studios including Walt Disney, NBC and Warner Bros.

A producer noticed my business card, appreciated my logo and had a vision. That, in and of itself is inspiring to me. I love to observe and learn from successful people with experience and accomplishments. Highnoon Productions or Burt Kearns & Michael Braverman, have years of success and experience producing films, shows, commercials, specials and documentaries. Which include shows that you have heard of such as Bar Recovery, Cake Boss, and Conspiracy Theory. 

We have been developing and filming for a few years now! Our first sizzle reel (mock episode) was filmed in my office in Hollywood and was very real and somewhat hard core. As the climate of what is airing on TV changes, so does the attitude of our project. If it's one thing that I've learned in my 11 years in business, it is that things take time. Impatience does not go with quality and determination or tenacity. 

Now here we are at it again, and we will be filming this Labor Day at the most celebrated car and motorcycle show, the Ventura Grand Nationals! The Queen of Bail and the Bond Girl's will have a booth as a home base. Of course we will have giveaways of T-shirts, stickers, poster signing, photo opportunities, and of course some delicious custom cookies by Lexibell Baked Goods. Meet the up and coming Princess of Bail, and meet your favorite  Bond Girl! Stop by, say hello, get on camera and be a part of the kustom Kulture of Los Angeles! 

GRAND OPENING OF THE QUEEN OF BAIL WEBSITE

Thank you to everybody for such a warm reception to the brand-new website. The website grand opening debuted the premiere of the first full-length video ever made by a bail bond agency, not only in Los Angeles or in the state of California but in the entire country.

Thank you to everybody who took two minutes and 48 seconds out of their life to appreciate the artistic style of a bail bond agency that is original, unique, and one of a kind. 

https://youtu.be/6A8oZ3SCbQk

YADDO PRODUCTIONS & QUEEN of BAIL

Yaddo Productions asked me to work with them on their latest documentary film called "Sense of Justice" Executive Producer Jib Polhemus! The documentary will be narrated by BBC's long time editor Nick Fraser. The network features documentary films on all topics such as geisha girls in Japan, what's going on in Paris, South Africa... Rio etc! 

YADDO is a revolutionary media development. It's an online platform with SVOD and pay per view dedicated to the best of documentary and factual film. It's for the people who crave reality. The truth about docs is that not enough people see them, and they are often not available at all. 

I was consulting producer, & also a featured subject. For those of you wondering, consulting producer means I provided the majority of the people that they interviewed. I had worked with the editor three years ago as a consultant to his screenplay called "Word of Bond" written by Eric Gross. A comedy screenplay written about a bail bond agency in San Bernardino area.

The shooting started early at 7:30 in the morning with the first talent who was Laura, also known as "Loca" from Sangra in the San Gabriel Valley or SGV. Her story was touching and compelling. What she has been through, and to hear it, and how far she's come, was an experience in and of itself.

The set was in Los Angeles, and it was a beautiful studio. The craft table was filled with coffee, bagels and cream cheese, fruit, pastries, muffins, granola bars, an over abundance of food.

We filmed subject after subject. Keep in mind we had a full set of lighting. No air conditioning because for the audio we had to have silence. We could not have any windows or doors open because there's always a plane or helicopter or a siren going on. It gets very warm! In between each subject of course we would blast the air conditioning.

We took a break for lunch and the production company provided a full spread of Mexican food from la salsa. All kinds of burritos, guacamole & chips with salsa..beef, chicken, vegetarian, again an over abundance of food. Chocolate and pretzels and chips, cookies, and more fruit and red Bulls and Gatorade's and waters and sodas and juices, it was ridiculous.

I sat there and listened to four of my clients tell their stories. I was amazed to hear what they had to say. I got insight on their childhood, their parenting or complete lack of it. I heard stories of police brutality, drug abuse, child abuse, being in a position of not knowing. I was touched by their stories. To say I was touched is putting it lightly. These people that have come full circle are true heroes amongst us. One subject was a former CIA agent who ended up doing time in federal prison for his duties while working for our country. Absolutely amazing stories every single one of them!

The documentary was not about people that have turned their lives around! It was not a prerequisite to be sober or to be off of parole. There was no judgment in this documentary film. It just so happened that my clients like I have always said, for the most part are very good people.

It was the best experience! One of my clients was such a sensation in his delivery and his story, which was sad, compelling, heartbreaking, mixed with his hilarious way of telling it! He actually got a round of applause from the crew!  

I personally made sure that everybody that came through for me yesterday got paid. I do not like asking people to do things for free, not only because their time is worth it, but I may need to ask you again.

I will be sure to announce when this documentary film is available for viewing. I want to thank everybody for yesterday. Thank you to Jib Polhemus, Executive Producer , Eric Gross, Editor. Laura aka "Loca" from SGV. "Convict", "pan head Ed", & "John" for sharing their stories with us. The crew was super cool to work with as well. The audio, lighting, hair and make up, Producer's assistant, directors assistant, grips & gaffers! It was a kick ass day! 

Have a beautiful Sunday everyone, and thank you for reading my blog.

HAPPY ST PATRICKS DAY !

Happy Saint Patrick's day! I have seen so many people wearing green! The spirit and energy of Saint Patrick's day is always so cute to me! Everybody at the gym was wearing green.  I saw a lady in the bank and a sparkled leprechaun hat! Everyone has plans tonight everybody loves this holiday and being Irish for a day!

Be safe and don't get caught slippin! I will be on call all night.

QUEEN of BAIL, EL CHAPO, SEAN PENN & OLIVER STONE

I am so honored to be in this documentary "Bungle in the Jungle" This is the first documentary to go inside the fiasco that brought about the Rolling Stone article and led to the recapture of the world's most dangerous and richest drug lord." If you have followed my blog or if you are aware of my business, you know that I deal with some heavy duty gangsters, underground Hollywood entertainment, and not so underground Hollywood as well! 

This interview and documentary is fascinating! Growing up in the entertainment industry and the taboo elements of Los Angeles, made me the perfect candidate for this documentary. 

There has been many press releases going out on this documentary and it is hitting Hollywood hard!

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/video/news/video-1272399/El-Chapo-Sean-Penn-Bungle-Jungle.html

This is one of the press releases that has gone out this week. 

The documentary airs this Thursday, March 10, 2016 on REELZ CHANNEL 6pm PT, & 9pm ET. 

Thank you very much for your support!

QUEEN of BAIL & EL CHAPO REELZ CHANNEL

REELZ today announced the one hour original documentary special El Chapo & Sean Penn: Bungle in the Jungle will premiere Thursday, March 10 at 9pm ET/ 6pm PT. 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. For actor Sean Penn, Joaquin Archivaldo Guzman Loera, known as “El Chapo” (the shorty), was to be his Treasure of the Sierra Madre. The most wanted, most dangerous and richest drug lord in the world agreed to meet Penn in the remote mountains of Sinaloa, Mexico to grant the first and only interview since he escaped from Mexico’s top security prison.

El Chapo & Sean Penn: Bungle in the Jungle is a behind-the-scenes look inside that ill-fated rendezvous among Penn, El Chapo and actress Kate Del Castillo and will reveal who orchestrated the meeting and the identities of the two mystery men traveling with Penn. Plus, find out the shocking details behind Penn’s widely criticized Rolling Stone article and what the real motive was for Castillo to set up a meeting that could have led to both her and Penn’s deaths. 

El Chapo & Sean Penn: Bungle in the Jungle includes interviews with Penn’s former assistant Tyrel Ventura, attorney and Kate Del Castillo’s friend Vance Owen, The Wrap’s editor-in-chief Sharon Waxman, comedian and El Chapo relative Paul Rodriguez, Narcos co-creator and producer Chris Brancato, immigration attorney and Emmy® winning TV judge Cristina Perez, actress and former Penn co-star Maria Conchita Alonso, Daily Mail showbiz editor Natalie Trombetta and Raquel, an LA bail bond agent to drug cartel known as the “Queen of Bail”. 

Before the premiere of El Chapo & Sean Penn: Bungle in the Jungle, tune in for a night of crime and scandal starting at 6pm ET/ 3pm PT with three back-to-back episodes of Gangsters: America’s Most Evil about the most unsavory celebrities of the underworld. Then at 10pm ET/ 7pm PT it’s Celebrity Damage Control- “Sean Penn” about his reputation as a lightning rod for controversy and his nasty habit of attacking the paparazzi.

QUEEN of BAIL HOLLYWOOD & BAIL BONDS

As some of you may know my office has been in Hollywood for many years now. Growing up in the San Fernando Valley it was one bus line into Hollywood. I've been going to Hollywood my entire life and I've watched all of the changes. Throughout history Hollywood has been a very popular place in California, it's a tourist attraction and it's also an attraction for its locals and surrounding areas. People from all different counties come into Hollywood to party on the weekends. With the plunging economy in 2008, Hollywood took a big hit. Hollywood Boulevard has gone through so many changes, starting with the corner of Hollywood and Highland. Many beautiful clubs restaurants and bars have sprung up on every corner.

Right now Hollywood is getting a bad reputation for being a downright dangerous place to go. The nightclubs do not have enough security, the police do not have enough manpower, the Hollywood Police station does not have enough manpower or space. The crime rate is extremely high. Both men and women are getting mugged, getting in physical altercations, stabbings are common, and the bottom line is is people are getting hurt. 

The latest is a nightclubs permit is being pulled due to violence. A young male DJ slipped into a coma and died after getting into a fight at a hollywood nightclub.

I was recently at a hollywood nightclub and I did not have fun. Friends of mine got hurt, two fights broke out. I even got hurt just for being at the wrong place at the wrong time. A flying bottle hit me in the foot and damn hard and was swollen for days. What can we do to make Hollywood safer? I think for one thing security at clubs should be better trained, and they should probably be double the amount of guards. Be safe, be careful, be aware of your surroundings. I feel sad about Hollywood right now because when it's too dangerous people stop going, when people stop going people lose money, & that's bad for all of our economy. What can we do?

QUEEN of BAIL BONDS on LOS ANGELESNISTA TALK RADIO

I was asked by host & founder Ed Solis to do an interview on Los Angelesnista talk radio! I'm always very thrilled and grateful when I'm asked to do any kind of interview! This radio talkshow has had some very great guests such as pro skateboarder's and legendary punk rock bands. I arrived at the studio in Uptown Whittier, and it was amazing and gorgeous! In the front waiting area there was a beautiful koi pond, and some paintings. Then we went back into the studio. I got a tour of the engineering room and I was very impressed it was state of the art! This interview I think was the best interview I've ever done and I'm so excited about it! I think what makes a great interview is the questions asked by the host. Of course I always get asked many of the same questions but after those questions have been satisfied, it's fun to be able to talk about different things! Stay tuned for air date and times, it will be on a.m. talk radio and also streaming on the Internet! 

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!

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FIRST BLOG of 2016 QUEEN of BAIL

Happy new year everybody. As 2015 came to an end, I already had four projects in the mix for 2016 & many things to achieve for my business. Some are simple like a new business card, but I can't tell you how excited I am about this business card! Others are much more poignant and meaningful not only for my business but for the community.

2015 was one of the best years of my entire career, I hope it was for many of you as well. 

Thank you for taking the time to read my blog and stay up on events, movers and shakers of Los Angeles, also the up & comers! We must all support each other in getting ahead and being successful. Remember you can always Google me, find me on Instagram under Raquel Queen of Bail Bonds, & Twitter as Bond Girl Raquel. Click on shop to order your don't get caught slippin T-shirt! 

RAQUEL QUEEN of BAIL CELEBRATING 10 YEARS in BUSINESS!!!

Hi everybody I haven't blogged in almost a month! It's because I have been extremely busy planning everything going into this months 10 years in business celebration! 

10 Years in business only comes once in a lifetime so I wanted to make it special. It came in three parts. The first part was a brand-new flyer that was created and illustrated by Kym from CBS CREW! 

Part 2 was a completely new photo shoot and flyer completely done by Cupcake Cartel. Photo shoot by Cupcake Cartel styled by Cupcake Cartel and graphics by Cupcake Cartel !!! 

Part 3 was the party!!! The plans for the party changed a few times and eventually I made a decision on a private invitation only party for small group of people. Obviously I cannot invite everybody I know or all of my clients. I reserved a private room  called the Townhouse Room at the Sassafras Bar in Hollywood. I had 65 guests attend the party.  Whiskey cocktail & Champagne cocktail punch bowls were served. The RQOB cake designed and presented by Belle Estanni Cakes & custom cookies! Cupcake Cartel also served cheescake custom RQOB Cupcakes! Sticker packs were given to everbody as a party favors with Below Poverty Level collection stickers! It was crazy! Crazy fun, with all different types of guests! I think that's what I loved about it most was the eclectic group of people...from artists and filmmakers, actresses and models, thugs and gangsters, TV producers, attorneys, nurses, aesthetician, chef, hairdressers, jewelry designers, apparel brand owners, dj's, radio hosts...all kinds from all different walks of life all different ages. I want to thank everybody that attended very sincerely from the bottom of my heart.  It means a lot to me that you came to my party and shared my joy. I hope everybody had fun. I know that everybody got home safe and there were no incidents!  Plus we're still welcome to go back to Sassafras Bar! See you at my 20 years in business celebration! 

CINCO DE MAYO 2015

Today is the celebration of Mexico's independence from France. In Mexico there are parades & in the US we eat & drink of course! Tacos & beer & margarita's! 

Dui checkpoints are being set up right now. Every holiday seems to revolve around alcohol. Please be safe & have a designated driver! 

QUEEN OF BAIL BONDS

Good friends are important! My career,  my family and my friends ...I am very blessed and always grateful. One thing I've noticed is that when you get one really good solid friend, you'll find their friends are also very solid! That old saying birds of a feather flock together is 100% true. Here's me and two of my girlfriends having a beautiful Sunday brunch at the Mondrian luxury hotel on the famous Sunset strip. The Hotel has a rooftop restaurant and bar with an amazing view & the weather was just perfect! 

QUEEN OF BAIL & MTV's REAL WORLD

I always say...support small business,

and I always do. Here's a perfect example of how putting out good always brings back good...

Last week I scoped out this super sweet new barbershop in the San Fernando Valley in Sherman Oaks on Burbank Blvd. I stopped and introduced myself to the owner and we did some networking & exchanged cards, and we decided let's promote each other's businesses best we can. E the barber is the owner at Valley Cutz Barber Shop, we hit it off really well and he was so nice and supportive, it was smooth.  

Sure enough the following week I get a phone call from the director of MTV's real world web series show. He invited me to be interviewed on episode number two. This is a new web series for the real world show. He saw my fliyers and stickers on deck at Valley Cutz  barbershop!

I was thrilled to be able to have the opportunity to participate in a new web series! 

Saturday afternoon we met at the sound studio stage in Hollywood. It was a beautiful green screen studio with monitors everywhere so we could see what we look like as we were filming. I met the host of the show Syrus, who has a long history with the MTV series Real World.

The show was super cool with discussions of current topics and a variety of opinions are to be heard. They had a musical guest and myself! 

I want to say thank you so very much to Valley Cutz barbershop for their support! 

I also want to say thank you to the director of the show who invited me to be interviewed, Oji Nuri. Oji is a fantastic director, super professional & on point! I just love that type of person! Also, thank you to the panel hosts and other guests of the show. Everybody was really nice, we had a couple of beers, there was plenty of food at the craft table, it was a super incredibly fun day!!!! 

QUEEN OF BAIL 2015

What friends mean to me... There's an old saying that says if you can fill one hand with the count of your friends you're a lucky person. I agree with this! In the harsh world we live in, its easy to say how many people are fake, or phony. In bail bonds it's very easy to think this way. I think it's just as easy to say how many good people there are, loyal people, plain old good solid people.

The month of January has been chuck full of birthdays. I was very touched to have been invited to many birthday parties. They were all very important to me, & I didn't miss one! 

QUEEN OF BAIL at the NOSOTROS MAGAZINE CHRISTMAS PARTY

Last night was the Nosotros Magazine Christmas Party. It was sponsored by Latin Heat Entertainment. The Christmas party brought the whole Latin entertainment industry together with a good cause. Everybody brought an unwrapped toy. The toys will go to inner-city youth and other local organizations for needy children. It was at the W Hotel in Hollywood, which is always really fun and exciting. Lots of celebrities were there from the entertainment industry. Danny Trejo gave a speech & the red carpet was mobbed. It was so crowded you really had to be careful where you stood. The energy was high and the music was loud. The funny part is that I was invited on my own and of course my Mom, an actress, was invited on her own as well. I called her and I said "mom do you happen to be invited to this party, and she said yes honey of course I'm going, I said mom let's go together! "it was fantastic.  Everybody asked about my Dad, a well-known international musician and actor in Hollywood and it's always fun for me when people ask about my parents. As I stated in my last blog, we can't do everything but we can do the best that we can. This is the first of three charities that I've chosen to give to this holiday season. It was so much fun and I'm very grateful I was invited to be a part of the entertainment industry. (that's because I  bail some of them out but I can't tell you who!!!!) Don't get caught slippin!

QUEEN OF BAIL IN OCTOBER

Well we got past Halloween, Dia De Los Muertos, all the parties, and all the arrests. For the most part I think everybody was safe. Everybody that I knew had a designated driver or were using cab or uber. 

After trick-or-treating and after the party we made it to Hollywood and let me tell you it was nuts. Sirens, fire trucks, ambulance.. Cop cars stopping traffic.. It was chaotic. 

I got plenty of bond calls did a little bit of business and hopefully helped some people get home for a nice rest of the weekend.

When I get bond calls it doesn't necessarily mean that it will work out.  People are never prepared for the high dollar amount that it costs to get out of jail. Just a quick reminder ...Bail is not cheap in the state of California. Stay ready and don't get caught slippin! 

THE QUEEN OF BAIL & THE QWEEN OF CUPCAKE CARTEL

As you know I'm a huge advocate of women supporting women, & women in business. My good friend Shonna and I have been supporting each other for many years as far back as MySpace days! This weekend I got together with her and the Cupcake Cartel at Couture nightclub in Hollywood that they were hosting.

It was super fun we didn't have to wait in any line, we got ushered to the center booth and had complimentary bottle service all night. The best part was to see my girl in action! Even though it's party time, she was super professional and on point the whole night. We all had a great time, the promoters were happy and I learned a lot from my friend. Thats what's important, is to learn from each other support each other and get ahead! Together we stand divided we fall!