A peace bond is one of the most effective tools in the Ontario criminal lawyer’s arsenal. It is essentially a “contract with the court” where you agree to follow certain conditions for up to 12 months in exchange for having your criminal charges withdrawn.
The Ontario peace bond lawyers at Kazandji Law specialize in using this “preventative justice” tool to save our clients from the life-long stigma of a criminal conviction.
If you are facing a minor assault, threat, or domestic charge, a peace bond is often the “gold standard” resolution. You are not pleading guilty, you are not being convicted, and you will not have a criminal record.
Understanding Section 810 of the Criminal Code
Most peace bonds are issued under Section 810 of the Criminal Code. For a court to order a peace bond, the complainant (the person who called the police) must show that they have a “reasonable fear” that you will cause them or their family harm or damage their property.
Our Ontario peace bond lawyers are experts at negotiating these deals with the Crown. We often present a “mitigation package” that shows the Crown you have taken steps to address the underlying issue — such as attending counselling or anger management — making a peace bond a reasonable and safe alternative to a trial.
The Benefits of Choosing a Peace Bond
For many people, the goal isn’t just to “win” at trial; it’s to ensure their employment and travel rights are protected.
- No Criminal Record: Once you sign the bond, the criminal charges are withdrawn. You are left with a clean record.
- Certainty: A trial is always a gamble. A peace bond provides a guaranteed outcome.
- Cost-Effective: Resolving a case through a peace bond is significantly less expensive than a multi-day trial.
FAQs: Advice from Ontario Peace Bond Lawyers
Is a peace bond the same as a restraining order?
No. A restraining order is a civil family court matter. A peace bond is a criminal court order. However, both restrict your ability to contact certain people.
Does a peace bond show up on a background check?
A peace bond will not show up on a standard Criminal Record Check because it is not a conviction. However, it may appear on a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC) while it is active.
What happens if I break the conditions of my peace bond?
Breaching a peace bond is a separate criminal offence under Section 811. It can lead to new charges and the potential for a real criminal record.
Can I travel to the U.S. with a peace bond?
Generally, yes. Since it is not an admission of guilt or a conviction, it does not carry the same travel bans. However, it is always best to wait until the charges are officially withdrawn before crossing.
Do I have to admit I did something wrong?
You do not have to plead guilty. You only have to admit that the other person has a “reasonable fear” of you.
Can I get a peace bond for a domestic assault charge?
Yes, this is very common in Ontario. If the injuries were minor and it was a first offence, a criminal defence lawyer can often negotiate a peace bond resolution.
How long does a peace bond last in Ontario?
The maximum length is 12 months. After that, the bond expires automatically.
What are the common conditions?
Usually, “Keep the Peace and be of Good Behavior,” “No Contact” with the complainant, and sometimes a weapons prohibition.
Can the complainant refuse a peace bond?
The Crown takes the victim’s views into account, but the final decision to offer a peace bond rests with the Crown Attorney.
Why hire Kazandji Law’s Ontario peace bond attorneys? Negotiating a peace bond is an art. We know which “mitigation” steps to take to make the Crown comfortable with withdrawing your charges.
Protecting Your Integrity
A criminal charge shouldn’t haunt you for a decade. If you are eligible for a peace bond, we will find the path to make it happen. Contact our Ontario peace bond lawyers today to see if your charges can be resolved through a Section 810 agreement. Contact Us Now.