A peace bond (Section 810 of the Criminal Code) is a court order requiring you to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for up to 12 months. In London, negotiating a peace bond allows you to have minor criminal charges withdrawn without receiving a criminal conviction, avoiding a permanent criminal record.
If you are facing minor criminal charges in London, Ontario, such as simple assault, uttering threats, or mischief, you may feel incredibly anxious about the prospect of a permanent criminal record. 📖 A criminal conviction can severely impact your employment opportunities, housing prospects, and ability to travel internationally. Fortunately, the Canadian justice system offers an alternative resolution for lower-risk offences where the court simply wants to ensure community safety.
This alternative is known as a peace bond. Signing a peace bond is not an admission of criminal guilt. Instead, it is a formal, legally binding promise made to the court that you will obey specific rules for a set period. If your criminal defence lawyer can successfully negotiate this outcome, the Crown Attorney will withdraw your criminal charges entirely.
Step-by-Step Process in London, Ontario
Whether the incident occurred in Wortley Village, downtown London, or anywhere in Middlesex County, the process of securing a peace bond is handled at the Ontario Court of Justice. 📍 It requires strategic negotiation and a clear demonstration that you are not a threat to the public or the complainant.
Step 1: Negotiating with the Crown Attorney
You cannot simply ask a judge for a peace bond to make your charges disappear. Your defence lawyer must actively negotiate this resolution with the Crown Attorney during a Crown Pre-Trial (CPT). The Crown will only agree if they believe it is in the public interest, considering factors like your lack of a prior criminal record and the relatively minor nature of the allegations.
In domestic cases, the Crown takes these requests very seriously. 💼 They will usually consult with the complainant (the alleged victim) to ensure they feel safe with a peace bond arrangement before offering it to your defence team.
Step 2: Attending Court to Sign the Recognizance
If the Crown agrees to the deal, you must attend court at 80 Dundas Street to formally enter into the bond before a Justice of the Peace. You will stand before the court and agree to a “recognizance,” which is a financial pledge (usually around $500 CAD). You do not have to pay this money upfront; you only owe it if you break the rules.
Once you formally accept the conditions and sign the document, the Crown Attorney will officially withdraw the original criminal charges. 📑 At this exact moment, the criminal prosecution against you ends.
Step 3: Strictly Following the Conditions
A peace bond typically lasts for 12 months and comes with very strict conditions. The most common conditions include a “no-contact” order requiring you to stay away from the complainant and their family, a ban on possessing weapons, and sometimes a requirement to complete counselling, such as anger management or substance abuse programs in London.
You must follow these rules perfectly. 🚨 If you are caught breaching a peace bond, you will be arrested and face a brand new criminal charge for “Breach of Recognizance,” which is treated very harshly by the London courts and often results in jail time.
How Much Does it Cost in London?
Entering into a peace bond itself does not require an upfront payment to the court, but securing one usually requires professional legal representation. 💰 Here is a breakdown of the typical costs involved.
| Court Fee for the Peace Bond | $0 (No upfront cost) |
| Financial Pledge (Recognizance) | Typically $500 – $1,000 CAD (Owed only if breached) |
| Private Defence Lawyer Fees | $1,500 – $3,500+ CAD to negotiate and resolve |
| Mandatory Counselling (if ordered) | $0 – $500 CAD (Depending on the local program) |
How Long Does the Process Take?
Negotiating a peace bond does not happen overnight. ⌚ It typically takes 2 to 6 months from your first court appearance to finalize the agreement, as your lawyer must review all disclosure and conduct meetings with the Crown. Once signed, the peace bond itself remains active for up to exactly 12 months.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does a peace bond mean I have a criminal record?
No. Because the criminal charges are withdrawn, you do not receive a criminal conviction. However, the fact that you signed a peace bond will remain in the local London Police Service database and may show up on vulnerable sector police checks during the 12 months it is active.
Can I travel to the United States with a peace bond?
Generally, a peace bond itself does not prevent you from travelling. However, US Customs and Border Protection has broad discretion and can see details of your original arrest. It is highly recommended to consult a cross-border lawyer before attempting to cross.
What happens if the alleged victim contacts me?
If your bond includes a “no-contact” condition, you must not reply, even if they reach out first. The bond restricts your behaviour, not theirs. Replying to them is a criminal breach of your bond. You must simply walk away or hang up the phone.
Do I have to admit I did something wrong?
No. By signing a peace bond under Section 810 of the Criminal Code, you are simply acknowledging that the other person has a “reasonable fear” for their safety or property. It is not a confession of guilt.
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