Processing a Section 810 Peace Bond for an assault charge in Toronto usually takes 3 to 6 months. By agreeing to specific behavioural conditions for up to 12 months, the Crown Attorney will generally withdraw the criminal charges, leaving you without a criminal record.
Facing an assault charge is an incredibly stressful experience that can threaten your job, travel plans, and reputation. Many people arrested in Toronto for minor altercations wonder if there is a way to avoid a permanent criminal conviction. 🤔 Fortunately, Ontario law provides a highly effective alternative resolution known as a Peace Bond.
A Section 810 Peace Bond is a formal court order where you agree to keep the peace and be of good behaviour. For cases involving intimate partner violence (IPV), federal changes enacted under Bill S-205 (which came into force on April 8, 2025) introduced a dedicated Section 810.03 Peace Bond specifically tailored for domestic allegations. Signing a peace bond is not an admission of guilt; if the Crown Attorney agrees to this resolution, they will withdraw the underlying assault charge. Navigating this negotiation requires patience and an understanding of the local court process.
Step-by-Step Process in Toronto
Whether your case is scheduled for an initial appearance or resolution, criminal matters in Toronto are consolidated at the Ontario Court of Justice – Toronto located at 10 Armoury Street (which merged the old College Park, Old City Hall, and other regional criminal court locations). The path to securing a Peace Bond generally follows a standard timeline. 📝 An experienced criminal defence lawyer will guide you through these critical stages.
Step 1: Receive Initial Disclosure
Your lawyer cannot negotiate blindly. At your first few court appearances, your law firm will gather your “disclosure” from the Crown. This package includes the police notes, witness statements, and any video footage of the alleged assault. 📸
Step 2: Crown Pre-Trial (CPT) Negotiations
Once the evidence is reviewed, your lawyer will hold a meeting with the Crown Attorney. During this Crown Pre-Trial, your lawyer will highlight the weaknesses in the police case or present mitigating factors (like your clean record) to convince the prosecutor that a Peace Bond is a fair resolution.
Step 3: Complete Upfront Programming
Crown Attorneys in Toronto often want to see that you have taken responsibility before they agree to drop the charges. You may be asked to complete a short anger management course or make a charitable donation upfront. Completing this shows the Ontario Court of Justice that you are taking the matter seriously.
Step 4: Sign the Bond in Court
Once the terms are agreed upon, you will appear before a Justice of the Peace at the 10 Armoury Street courthouse. You will pledge to obey specific conditions (like staying 100 metres away from the complainant) and sign the Peace Bond. Immediately after, the Crown will officially withdraw your assault charge. ⚖
How Much Does it Cost in Toronto?
Securing a Peace Bond avoids the massive expenses of a full criminal trial. However, there are still costs involved in preparing your defence:
- Lawyer Fees: Most Toronto criminal defence law firms charge a “block fee” for early resolution services. Negotiating a Peace Bond typically costs between $2,000 and $5,000 CAD.
- Court Fees: Signing the actual Peace Bond at the courthouse is completely free.
- Programming Costs: If you are required to take private anger management or counseling, these programs usually cost between $300 and $800 CAD.
| Peace Bond Condition | What It Means for You in Ontario |
|---|---|
| Keep the Peace | You must not commit any other criminal offences during the bond period. |
| No Contact Order | You cannot text, call, or use third parties to contact the complainant. |
| Weapons Prohibition | You may be banned from owning firearms or other weapons for up to 12 or 24 months. |
| GPS Monitoring | Under Section 810.03 for IPV, you may be required to wear an electronic monitoring device to track your location. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The justice system does not move overnight. From the date of your arrest to the day you actually sign the Peace Bond, expect the process to take 3 to 6 months. Once signed, a standard Section 810 Peace Bond is active for up to 12 months. However, under Section 810.03 for intimate partner violence, the bond’s duration can be extended up to 24 months if the defendant has a prior conviction for a violent offence against an intimate partner or child. Once the designated term expires, the conditions end, and the matter is completely finished.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does signing a Peace Bond mean I have a criminal record?
No. A Peace Bond is not a criminal conviction. Because the Crown withdraws the original assault charge, you will not have a criminal record. However, local police will retain a note of the incident in their internal database.
What happens if I break the conditions of the bond?
Breaching a Peace Bond is a separate criminal offence under the Criminal Code of Canada. You can be arrested, held for bail, and face jail time, and the Crown may even attempt to revive the original assault charge.
Will a Peace Bond show up on a background check?
While the bond is active (the 12-month period), it will likely show up on a Vulnerable Sector Check. Once the bond expires, it should no longer appear on standard employment background checks.
Do I have to admit guilt to the judge?
No. You simply agree that the other person had “reasonable grounds to fear” for their safety. You do not have to admit to actually committing the assault in order to sign the bond.
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