Keep Bailing

A writer by any other name… is a bail bondsman

Nope, this is not Stephanie Plum or Jackie Brown. This is Robin Sandoval-March: copy editor, blogger, published songwriter and screenwriter… and our newest bail bondsman (bondswoman?).

Robin grew up in San Jose. Bail bonds in San Jose is incredibly competitive, perhaps one of the most competitive bail bond markets in California. But Robin wouldn’t have dreamed of that connection. She set her sights on the songwriting business in L.A. “It was a challenge at first, but I finally managed to have some of my songs published in film, records and television. Unfortunately, the pay wasn’t enough; I still needed a full time job,“  Robin told me when we spoke about her become a licensed California bail agent.

“I didn’t know the first thing about bail bonds,  but found the concept really interesting.” Robin loves interacting with people and has an effortless communication style, so this job was a perfect fit for her.  “As I progressed, I became increasingly interested in the bail process, the legal process and the jail system. To some, a family member ending up in jail is the most devastating thing that could happen in their lives. It’s really satisfying when I can help answer their questions, ease some of their stress and help to bail their loved one out of jail.”

The biggest surprise for Robin was how some people have a pre-conceived notion about those who need to be bailed out of jail. “The people I talk to on a daily basis are mainly the mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, cousins and friends of those who get into a one-time pickle. They are by no means, hardened criminals or repeat offenders. No one wants to sit in jail any longer than they have to. Jail is a dangerous, scary place to be. We know that. So believe me, we’re going to do our best to have them released as quickly as possible. When we do, it’s more than just a days work.”

Robin pursued her BS in Business Management and spent several years in the corporate arena with companies such as NBC, McDonald’s Corporate and Watson Wyatt Worldwide, then later for a non-profit foundation as an event coordinator. Robin was married in 2006 and launched a marketing / public relations, and event coordination business. She also spent time working with her husband in the real estate industry.

These days, when Robin tells her friends she’s a bail bondsman, they wonder if she’s doing research for a new screenplay. “I explain that life imitates art on every level, even in the world of bail bonds. One friend of mine chuckled, but later asked me (quietly) for one of my business cards.“