If you’ve been told that you might be asked to enter into a peace bond in Ontario, you may be wondering what it is, how it works, and what it means for your record. While peace bonds are not criminal convictions, they are legal orders with serious conditions that can affect your freedom—and understanding your rights is essential.
Whether you’re being offered a peace bond as an alternative to criminal prosecution or you’re considering applying for one yourself, this guide explains everything you need to know about peace bonds in Ontario.
What Is a Peace Bond?
A peace bond is a court order issued under section 810 of the Criminal Code of Canada that requires a person to keep the peace and be of good behaviour for a specified period—usually 12 months. It may also impose additional conditions such as:
- No contact with specific individuals
- Staying away from certain locations
- Not possessing weapons
- Attending counselling or treatment
Peace bonds are commonly used in cases involving alleged threats, harassment, domestic disputes, or minor assaults where the Crown is willing to resolve the matter without proceeding to trial.
Who Can Be Subject to a Peace Bond?
You may be subject to a peace bond in Ontario if:
- Someone has reasonable grounds to fear that you will cause them harm (physically, emotionally, or to their property), and
- They apply for a peace bond in court, or
- The Crown offers you a peace bond as a resolution to a criminal charge (instead of proceeding with a prosecution)
You do not have to plead guilty to enter into a peace bond. In fact, if you agree to the bond, any charges are typically withdrawn by the Crown.
When Is a Peace Bond Used?
Peace bonds are frequently used in cases involving:
- Domestic or family disputes
- Neighbour complaints
- Alleged threats or harassment
- Minor assaults
- Situations where there is not enough evidence to secure a conviction
A peace bond allows both the accused and the complainant to avoid the stress and uncertainty of a trial while still providing legal protections.
What Happens If I Agree to a Peace Bond?
If you agree to a peace bond:
- The Crown withdraws the criminal charge (if one was laid)
- You do not receive a criminal conviction
- You must comply with the conditions of the bond for the specified period (usually 12 months)
Is a Peace Bond a Criminal Record?
No. A peace bond is not a criminal conviction and does not result in a criminal record. However, there are a few important nuances to understand:
- It may appear in certain background checks (especially enhanced police record checks or vulnerable sector screenings) while it is active
- If you breach the conditions of a peace bond, you can be charged with “breach of recognizance” or “disobeying a court order,” which is a criminal offence
So while accepting a peace bond avoids a conviction, it’s still important to understand and follow the conditions carefully.
Can You Fight a Peace Bond?
Yes, you can choose not to consent to a peace bond. In that case, a hearing will be scheduled, and the person applying for the bond must show why they fear you and why the bond is necessary.
If you are facing criminal charges and are offered a peace bond by the Crown, you have the option to decline—but this usually means the Crown will proceed with the case in court. This decision should be made with the advice of an experienced criminal defence lawyer.
What Conditions Can Be Imposed by a Peace Bond?
Common peace bond conditions include:
- No contact with a specific individual
- No communication by phone, text, email, or social media
- Stay away from certain places (e.g., home, workplace, school)
- Not to possess weapons
- Mandatory counselling or anger management
- Reporting to a probation officer (in rare cases)
Violating any of these conditions can result in new criminal charges—even if the underlying situation seems minor.
How Long Does a Peace Bond Last in Ontario?
A peace bond typically lasts for 12 months, though shorter or longer durations can occasionally be ordered. Once it expires, you are no longer legally bound by the conditions, and the bond no longer appears in most record checks.
However, if you were previously subject to a peace bond and are involved in a future legal matter, the Crown may consider the past bond when deciding how to proceed.
Can a Peace Bond Affect Immigration or Travel?
In some cases, yes. While a peace bond is not a conviction, it may raise immigration concerns for non-citizens applying for permanent residency or citizenship. It may also appear in U.S. border checks, especially if associated with serious allegations such as domestic violence.
If you are not a Canadian citizen, it is strongly recommended to speak to both a criminal defence and an immigration lawyer before agreeing to a peace bond.
Should You Accept a Peace Bond?
Whether you should accept a peace bond depends on several factors:
- The strength of the Crown’s case
- The seriousness of the allegations
- Your personal circumstances, including immigration status or employment
Peace bonds can be a useful resolution to avoid trial and a criminal record—but they are not appropriate in all cases. Always consult with a criminal defence lawyer before making a decision.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Lichtman Law
If you’ve been offered a peace bond in Ontario, or are considering applying for one, Lichtman Law is here to help. Our experienced criminal defence team will review your situation, explain your options, and help you make an informed decision.
We’ll ensure your rights are protected—and work toward the best possible outcome for your future.
Schedule your free consultation today to speak directly with a criminal defence lawyer.