A Section 810 Peace Bond is not a criminal conviction. It is a court order to keep the peace. It appears on the federal CPIC database only while it is active (usually up to 12 months). Once it expires, it is automatically removed from CPIC, meaning no formal Record Suspension is needed.
Finding yourself facing criminal charges in Canada is incredibly daunting. 🚨 However, in many domestic disputes, minor assaults, or uttering threats cases, defence lawyers and the Crown can negotiate a resolution that completely avoids a criminal conviction. This is frequently achieved through a Section 810 Peace Bond. By agreeing to a peace bond, the Crown withdraws the formal criminal charges, and you simply sign a court order promising to “keep the peace and be of good behaviour” for a specific period.
While this is an excellent legal outcome, many Canadians are confused about what a peace bond actually does to their background check. Because you were originally arrested and fingerprinted, a record was created. Even though a peace bond is not an admission of guilt, it will temporarily appear on the Canadian Police Information Centre (CPIC) system. Knowing how the RCMP manages this data and what steps you must take locally in cities like Toronto or Vancouver is crucial to ensuring your record is fully wiped clean.
Step-by-Step Lifecycle of a Peace Bond in Canada
Because peace bonds are governed by the federal Criminal Code of Canada, the overarching rules are identical nationwide. 📋 However, the cleanup process heavily involves your local municipal police force.
Step 1: Signing the Bond and Adhering to Conditions
When you sign the peace bond in court, you are legally bound by its conditions. Common conditions include not contacting specific individuals, staying away from certain addresses, or abstaining from alcohol. During this time, the peace bond is registered on the federal CPIC database as an active court order. If an employer runs a criminal background check while the bond is active, it will appear, though it will clearly state it is a peace bond and not a conviction.
Step 2: Waiting for Expiration
Under Canadian law, a Section 810 peace bond can last for a maximum of 12 months. ⏳ You must simply wait out this period. It is absolutely vital that you do not breach any conditions during this time. If you breach a peace bond, you can be arrested and charged with a new criminal offence, which will result in a permanent criminal conviction and destroy the benefit of the original agreement.
Step 3: The CPIC Update
Once the peace bond officially expires, the RCMP updates the federal CPIC database. Because a peace bond is an alternative to a conviction, there is no waiting period to purge it like there is for an absolute or conditional discharge. Once it expires, the active court order is removed from the primary CPIC system. You do not need to apply to the Parole Board of Canada for a Record Suspension (Pardon).
Step 4: Applying for Local File Destruction
This is the critical step that requires your action. Even after the bond expires federally, the local police force retains your “FPS” (Fingerprint Section) number, mugshot, and arrest file. 📄 You must actively apply to the local police department (e.g., Peel Regional Police, Ottawa Police) and submit a formal request for the destruction of your fingerprints and photographs. Until you do this, your local police record remains intact and could be disclosed during deep background checks.
How Much Does it Cost in Canada?
The expiration of the bond happens automatically and is free, but clearing the residual police files carries some administrative fees. 💰 Here are the typical costs in CAD.
| Required Action | Estimated Cost (CAD) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Federal Record Suspension | $0 | Not required. Peace bonds are not convictions. |
| RCMP Verification Check | $50 – $85 | Paid to a private fingerprinting agency to verify CPIC. |
| Local File Destruction Fee | $50 – $150 | Paid directly to the arresting municipal police force. |
| Lawyer Processing Fee | $300 – $600 | Optional fee if you hire a law firm to handle the destruction. |
Keep in mind that some police departments will not process a destruction request until a specific waiting period (sometimes 5 to 12 months) has passed since the peace bond expired.
How Long Does the Process Take?
The active phase of the peace bond usually lasts up to 12 months. 🕐 After it expires, you can file for local fingerprint destruction. However, municipal police departments are notoriously slow with these requests. Depending on the city, it can take an additional 3 to 8 months for the local police to physically destroy your mugshots and confirm the file is closed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is signing a peace bond an admission of guilt?
No. By signing a Section 810 peace bond, you are merely acknowledging that the other party had reasonable grounds to fear you. It is explicitly not an admission of criminal guilt.
Can I travel to the US with an active peace bond?
It is risky. While a peace bond is not a conviction, US border agents can see the active court order on CPIC. They have broad discretion and may deny you entry if they believe the underlying withdrawn charge (like domestic assault) makes you inadmissible.
Will a peace bond show up on a Vulnerable Sector Check?
While the bond is active, it will likely show up as a current court order. Once it expires and you have successfully had your local files destroyed, it generally should not appear on any standard or vulnerable sector checks.
What happens if I refuse to sign the peace bond?
If you refuse the Crown’s offer of a peace bond, the original criminal charges will proceed to trial. If you are found guilty at trial, you will receive a formal criminal record, which is why most defence lawyers recommend signing the bond.
Can the police refuse to destroy my fingerprints?
Yes. The local Police Chief has the discretion to refuse fingerprint destruction if they believe there are compelling public safety reasons to keep them. If refused, a lawyer can help you appeal the decision.
Does a peace bond count as a criminal record for employment?
No. Because it is not a conviction under the Criminal Code, you can truthfully tell potential employers that you do not have a criminal record. However, until your local files are destroyed, a deep police check might reveal the withdrawn charges.
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