A Peace Bond is a court order that mandates parties to abide by specific conditions outlined in the order for a fixed duration of time. It can be issued by a Judge or a Justice of the Peace and requires the parties to maintain peace and good behavior. Additional conditions, such as maintaining distance from an individual or abstaining from alcohol, may also be included in the order. A Peace Bond is a preventive tool.
There are (primarily) two types of Peace Bonds:
This type can be issued for any reasonable apprehension of fear and has a broader scope than the Section 810 Bond. This type of Peace Bond is impose pursuant to the court’s common law power. It does not have a time limit like the 810 Bond.
If the order under Section 810 is breached, one can be punished under Section 811 of the criminal code. Breach of a common-law peace bond is dealt with under Section 127 of the criminal code for disobeying a court order, and charges can be pursued either by way of summary or indictment. Peace Bonds are usually offered in Family or Criminal Court proceedings when the prosecution’s case if there are no reasonable prospects of conviction or when it would not be public interest to continue with a prosecution. Accepting a Peace Bond is not a conviction, but it is important to weigh the options carefully and consider the repercussions. It is advised to consult with a lawyer before accepting a Peace Bond as there are implications to consider. While there is no conviction, accepting a Peace Bond implies that the complainant has a reasonable fear of you, and you will be bound by the conditions imposed for a year. An active Peace Bond may appear on certain background checks including the vulnerable sector check, and could impact travel requirements, especially when crossing the border to the US. In conclusion, it is essential to seek advice and carefully consider the implications before accepting a Peace Bond to ensure you understand the conditions and potential consequences.