A peace bond is a court order with conditions. It is generally not a conviction — but breaching it can create new charges.
General information for Ontario only. Not legal advice. Outcomes depend on the facts of each case.
A peace bond in Ontario is a court-ordered recognizance requiring a person to keep the peace and follow conditions for a period of time. It is generally not recorded as a criminal conviction, but it remains a binding court order.
A peace bond is a court order with conditions such as keeping the peace, having no contact with a named person, or staying away from certain places. Accepting one requires understanding what you are promising the court.
Peace bonds are used in different contexts, including some situations where the court is focused on preventing future harm through conditions rather than a conviction on a contested trial. They also appear in discussions about resolving outstanding charges — without any guarantee that such a path will be offered.
Section 810 provides a Criminal Code process for a recognizance where statutory criteria are met. Separately, Crowns and defence counsel sometimes discuss peace-bond resolutions in charge files, including some domestic assault matters.
Duration and conditions are set by the court. Read every line before consenting. See peace bond lawyer for defence-oriented guidance.
Failing to comply with a peace bond can lead to new criminal charges. Treat the order with the same seriousness as other release terms.
Immigration, employment, family law, and the strength of the Crown’s case can all affect whether a peace bond is sensible. Related reading: can domestic assault charges be withdrawn.
Generally no — but it is still a formal court order. Confirm implications for your situation with counsel, including immigration or employment screening concerns.
Section 810 of the Criminal Code provides a statutory route for a recognizance with conditions where the legal test is met. Details should be reviewed with a lawyer.
No. Sometimes it is practical; sometimes it is not advisable. Get advice before consenting.
