A Peace Bond in Edmonton is a court order under Section 810 of the Criminal Code that requires you to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. If the Crown prosecutor agrees to a peace bond, your criminal charges are typically withdrawn, meaning you will not get a criminal record. A standard peace bond lasts for 12 months and involves a financial pledge of around $500 CAD, which you only pay if you break the rules.
Facing a criminal charge in Alberta can be a highly stressful experience, especially if you are worried about how a criminal record might affect your future employment or ability to travel. Fortunately, not all charges must end in a lengthy trial or a guilty plea. For minor offences, such as simple assault, uttering threats, or minor property damage, the Crown prosecutor might agree to resolve the matter using a peace bond.
A peace bond is essentially a legally binding promise made to the court. By signing it, you agree to follow specific conditions for a set period, usually a year. In exchange, the Crown agrees to drop the formal criminal charges against you. Having an experienced criminal defence lawyer in Edmonton negotiate this outcome can protect your reputation and keep your record clean.
Step-by-Step Process to Get a Peace Bond in Edmonton
Securing a peace bond is rarely automatic. It requires skilled negotiation and a clear demonstration that you do not pose a serious ongoing threat to the community. Whether your matter is at the downtown Edmonton Law Courts or a regional court, the general process follows these steps.
Step 1: Reviewing the Disclosure
Before negotiating, your defence lawyer must carefully review your disclosure. This is the complete package of evidence gathered by the Edmonton Police Service or the RCMP. Your lawyer will look for weaknesses in the Crown’s case, such as conflicting witness statements or a lack of physical evidence, to use as leverage during negotiations.
Step 2: Crown Pre-Trial Negotiation
Your lawyer will schedule a meeting with the Crown prosecutor to discuss early case resolution. During this meeting, your lawyer will highlight your positive background-such as having no prior criminal record, holding a steady job, or completing voluntary anger management counselling. They will formally propose a Section 810 peace bond as a fair alternative to a trial.
Step 3: Entering the Peace Bond in Court
If the Crown agrees, you will attend the Edmonton Law Courts to finalize the agreement. You will stand before a judge or a Justice of the Peace and formally acknowledge the conditions of the bond. Once you agree to keep the peace and follow all rules, the Crown will officially withdraw the underlying criminal charges.
How Much Does it Cost in Edmonton?
Entering into a peace bond does not usually require you to pay money to the court upfront. However, there are typical costs associated with the legal representation required to negotiate this outcome.
| Cost Category | Estimated Amount (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Court Financial Pledge | $500 – $1,000 | A “no-cash” pledge. You only pay this if you breach the bond conditions. |
| Defence Lawyer Fees | $1,500 – $4,500+ | Most Edmonton criminal lawyers charge a flat block fee for early resolution. |
| Counselling (Optional) | $100 – $200 per session | Taking private counselling upfront can help convince the Crown to offer a bond. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Resolving a case via a peace bond does not happen overnight. Generally, it takes between 2 to 4 months from your first court appearance to successfully negotiate and enter into the bond. The Crown needs time to consult with the complainant (the alleged victim) to ensure they feel safe with this proposed resolution.
Once the peace bond is signed, the standard duration of the order is exactly 12 months. During this year, you must strictly obey all conditions, which often include a “no contact” order with the complainant and a ban on possessing weapons. Once the 12 months expire, the bond is completely finished.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is a peace bond an admission of guilt?
No. Signing a Section 810 peace bond is not a guilty plea, nor is it an admission of criminal guilt. You are simply acknowledging that the other person has reasonable grounds to fear that you might cause personal injury or damage to their property.
Will a peace bond show up on a criminal background check?
Because a peace bond results in withdrawn charges, it does not result in a criminal conviction. However, while the bond is active (usually for 12 months), it will appear on an enhanced vulnerable sector police check. Once it expires, it generally will not be visible on standard background checks.
What happens if I breach the conditions of my peace bond?
Breaching a peace bond is a very serious criminal offence in Canada. If caught, you will likely be arrested, charged with a new offence for the breach, and you may be forced to pay the $500 financial pledge you made to the court.
Can I travel to the United States with a peace bond?
Generally, a peace bond itself does not prevent you from travelling, as it is not a conviction. However, US Customs and Border Protection have broad discretion. They may see the original arrest record in their shared databases. It is highly recommended to consult with a US immigration lawyer before attempting to cross the border.
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