Difference between revisions of "Peace Bonds and Assault Charges"

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{{Dial-A-Law Blurb}}
{{REVIEWEDPLS | reviewer = [https://www.paulbriggslawyer.com/blank-3 Paul Briggs], Paul Briggs Law and [http://www.vancitydefence.com/our-people/jordan-allingham Jordan Allingham], Ferguson Allingham|date= June 2018}} {{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = crime}}
If you fear for your safety, a '''peace bond''' can offer protection. Learn how they work, and what’s involved in seeking a peace bond.


{{Dial-A-Law TOC|expanded = criminal}}
==What you should know==
If someone threatens to hurt you or damage your property, a peace bond can protect you. Learn how they work, and the steps involved in applying for a peace bond.


==Understand your legal rights==
===With a peace bond, a person promises to keep the peace===
A '''peace bond''' is a court order designed to keep someone from committing a crime. The person signs (or enters into) the peace bond, agreeing to “keep the peace and be of good behaviour” and obey certain conditions — for example, to not contact someone or visit certain places.


===With a peace bond, a person promises to “keep the peace”===
In a criminal case, the '''prosecutor''' (also known as Crown counsel) may offer a peace bond to deal with criminal charges against someone.
A '''peace bond''' is a court order designed to keep someone from committing a crime. The person signs (or '''enters into''') the peace bond, agreeing to “keep the peace and be of good behaviour” and obey certain conditions — for example, to not contact someone or visit certain places. Not following the conditions in a peace bond is a crime.


In a criminal case, the '''prosecutor''' may offer a peace bond to deal with criminal charges against someone.
As well, '''anyone''' can seek a peace bond against another person. If you are afraid a person will hurt you or your family or damage your property, you can contact the police to seek a peace bond. More on this in a moment.


As well, '''anyone''' can apply for a peace bond against another person. If you are afraid a person will hurt you or your family or damage your property, you can go to court to ask for a peace bond.
{| class="wikitable"
 
|align="left"|'''If your situation is urgent'''
===Who can apply for a peace bond===
Obtaining a peace bond may take several weeks or even months, so peace bonds do not deal with emergencies. In an emergency, '''call 9-1-1'''.
Anyone can apply for a peace bond under [https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html#sec810_smooth section 810 of the ''Criminal Code''].  
|}
 
You can apply for a peace bond against anyone. It could be a partner or family member. But it doesn't have to be someone you were in a relationship with. For example, you could apply for a peace bond against a neighbour or co-worker.


To get a peace bond, you must prove you have a '''reasonable fear''' the other person will:
===You can seek a peace bond against anyone===
*hurt you or someone in your family,
*damage your property, or
*share an intimate image or video of you without your consent.


If the court agrees there is enough evidence, they will '''summons''' the person to come to court for a '''peace bond hearing'''.
[https://www.canlii.org/en/ca/laws/stat/rsc-1985-c-c-46/latest/rsc-1985-c-c-46.html#sec810_smooth Under section 810 of the ''Criminal Code''], you can seek a peace bond against anyone. It could be a partner or family member. But it doesn't have to be someone you were in a relationship with. For example, you could apply for a peace bond against a neighbour or co-worker.


===Applying for a peace bond===
A peace bond may be the best option for you if the person you are seeking protection from does not fall within the definition of “family member” in the ''Family Law Act''. If the person you are seeking protection from is someone you think may fall within the definition of “family member,” you may be able to get a [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/family-violence/ family law protection order] instead.


====With the help of the police====  
===What you must show to get a peace bond===
If you are afraid a person will hurt you or your family or damage your property, you can '''contact the police'''.
To get a peace bond, you must show you have a '''reasonable fear''' the other person will:


The police can gather information from you and others. This will help them assess whether to recommend a peace bond or criminal charges.
* hurt you or someone in your family,
* damage your property, or
* share an intimate image or video of you without your consent.


Give the police as many details as possible of why you are afraid. Give them any records that show your fear is reasonable — any concerning voicemails, emails, text messages, or social media posts from the person, or any notes you made of interactions with the person. Give police the names of any witnesses who have seen the threatening behaviour.
It is not enough to say only that you are personally afraid; the court must find that a reasonable person in the same situation would also be afraid.


If the police agree that yours fears are reasonable, they will '''draft a peace bond''' with a list of conditions. They will contact the person to ask if they are willing to agree to the peace bond. In most cases, people agree to sign the peace bond. If the person does not agree, a '''peace bond hearing''' can be set, where a judge decides whether the peace bond is appropriate.
If the court agrees there is enough evidence, they will '''summons''' the person to come to court for a '''peace bond hearing'''. More on this below.
 
====Applying on your own====
Any person may apply to court themselves for a peace bond against another person. We explain the steps in the process shortly.
 
{| class="wikitable"
|align="left"|'''Tip'''
Obtaining a peace bond may take several weeks or even months, so peace bonds do not deal with emergencies. In an emergency, '''call 9-1-1'''.
|}


===Pursuing assault charges===
===Pursuing assault charges===
If a person hurts you or threatens to hurt you, you can also ask the police to charge the person with '''assault'''.  
If a person hurts you or threatens to hurt you, you can also ask the police to charge the person with '''assault'''.


Assault is when one person applies force to another person, or attempts or threatens to apply force to them without their consent. Assault is a crime even if you're not hurt, and sometimes even if you were not actually touched.  
Assault is when one person applies force to another person, or attempts or threatens to apply force to them without their consent. Assault is a crime even if you're not hurt, and sometimes even if you were not actually touched.


Depending on the situation, a person can be charged with "assault", "assault with a weapon", "assault causing bodily harm", or "aggravated assault". A charge of assault causing bodily harm, for example, might be laid if you need medical treatment for your injuries.
Depending on the situation, a person can be charged with assault, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, or aggravated assault. A charge of assault causing bodily harm, for example, might be laid if you need medical treatment for your injuries.


See our information on charging someone with a criminal offence (no. 215) for the steps involved in pursuing an assault charge.
See [https://dialalaw.peopleslawschool.ca/charging-someone-with-a-criminal-offence/ our information on charging someone with a criminal offence] for the steps involved in pursuing an assault charge.  


===If a person disobeys a peace bond===
===If a person disobeys a peace bond===
If the person who enters into a peace bond disobeys the conditions in the peace bond, '''call the police'''. Police can arrest the person and charge them with a criminal offence. That could lead to the person being fined or placed on probation, or in some cases even jailed. As well, it could lead to a criminal record. (A peace bond itself is not a criminal conviction.)


If the person who enters into a peace bond disobeys the conditions in the peace bond, '''call the police'''. Police can arrest the person and charge them with a criminal offence. That could lead to a jail term of up to four years. As well, it could lead to a criminal record. (A peace bond itself is not a criminal conviction.)
A peace bond can be enforced anywhere in Canada.
 
A peace bond can be enforced anywhere in Canada.  
 
{| class="wikitable"
|align="left"|'''Tip'''
Ask for a '''certified copy''' of the peace bond. Keep it with you at all times. If the other person doesn’t follow the conditions in the peace bond, the police need to see the order before they can do anything. If the peace bond says the person can’t contact your child, give a copy to your child’s teacher or principal. They can show it to the police if the person tries to pick up your child from school.
|}


===Ending a peace bond===
===Ending a peace bond===
A peace bond will have an end date on it. Most peace bonds last for one year. Police cannot enforce a peace bond after it has ended.
A peace bond will have an end date on it. Most peace bonds last for one year. Police cannot enforce a peace bond after it has ended.


When a peace bond ends, you need to go back to court if you want a new peace bond. You do not need to wait for the peace bond to end before applying again.
When a peace bond ends, you need to go back to court if you want a new peace bond. You do not need to wait for the peace bond to end before applying again.


A peace bond can't be cancelled.
A peace bond can't be cancelled.


==The steps in applying for a peace bond==
==Seeking a peace bond==
 
===Step 1. Contact the police===
If you are afraid a person will hurt you or your family or damage your property, you can '''contact the police'''.


===Step 1. Laying an “information”===
The police can gather information from you and others. This will help them assess whether to recommend a peace bond or criminal charges.
Any person may apply to court themselves for a peace bond against another person. The process begins at your local [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services/courthouse-locations?keyword=provincial&keyword=court&keyword=locations Provincial Court registry]. You complete a document, called an “'''information'''”, saying why you need the peace bond. The information is a sworn statement you complete in front of a '''justice of the peace'''. This is a court officer who deals with process matters.


In the information, you need to show why you have a '''reasonable fear''' the other person will hurt you or your family, damage your property, or share an intimate image or video of you without your consent.  
Give the police as many details as possible of why you are afraid. Give them any records that show your fear is reasonable — any concerning voicemails, emails, text messages, or social media posts from the person, or any notes you made of interactions with the person. Give police the names of any witnesses who have seen the threatening behaviour.


===Step 2. The person is summoned to court===
If the police agree that your fears are reasonable, they will prepare a report for Crown counsel. This is a lawyer employed by the provincial government to prosecute cases.
If the justice of the peace agrees there is enough evidence to support a peace bond, they will '''summons''' the person to come to court.  


Depending on the details you give the justice of the peace, they may issue a '''warrant''' so the police can arrest the person. If they do, the court may decide to release the person on conditions, such as they not contact you or go to your home or work.
{| class="wikitable"
|align="left"|'''Getting a peace bond without police help'''
If the police are unwilling to help, you do have another option, though it may be difficult. You can go to a [https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/courthouse-services/courthouse-locations courthouse] and ask the court registry for help in completing the correct forms for a peace bond. In general, court registry staff will contact Crown counsel who will then pass the matter back to police for further investigation. Still, this approach can result in Crown reviewing your case and making the request to police.
|}


When the person comes to court, they are asked to '''sign the peace bond''', agreeing to a list of conditions. The conditions can include staying away from particular people or places, not using drugs or alcohol, and not having weapons.
===Step 2. A process hearing===
If the Crown counsel agrees that a peace bond is necessary, a '''process hearing''' will be scheduled. This hearing happens without the other person present. The Crown will explain the evidence to the court. If the judge is satisfied that the information provided meets the test for a peace bond, then a '''peace bond hearing''' will be set.


===Step 3. The peace bond hearing===
===Step 3. The peace bond hearing===
If the person refuses to sign the peace bond, there will be a '''peace bond hearing''' before a judge. At the hearing, you will need to '''testify''' (tell your story), indicating the reasons for your fear. You can have a lawyer represent you during the hearing, but this is not required.  
At the '''peace bond hearing''', a judge will decide whether to impose the peace bond. The person you seek protection from will be summoned to appear.


At the end of the hearing, the judge will:
The hearing may unfold in one of two ways.
*dismiss the application if they think your fear is unreasonable, or
*order the person to sign a peace bond.


==Get help==
The person may agree to enter into the peace bond and to the conditions presented. If that happens, then no evidence will be presented to the judge.


===With more information===
If the person does not agree to the peace bond, Crown counsel will then present evidence to the judge. This will typically involve you needing to '''testify''' (tell your story), indicating the reasons for your fear. You can have a lawyer represent you during the hearing, but you don’t have to.  
The federal '''Department of Justice''' website includes information on victim’s rights, including a fact sheet on applying for a peace bond.
:Web: [https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/victims-victimes/factsheets-fiches/peace-paix.html justice.gc.ca]


The '''Legal Services Society''' website includes the publication “For Your Protection: Peace Bonds and Family Law Protection Orders”.
At the end of the hearing, the judge will decide whether you have reasonable grounds to fear the other person. If the judge finds your fears are reasonable, they will order the peace bond.
:Web: [https://legalaid.bc.ca/publications/pub.php?pub=20 legalaid.bc.ca]


{| class="wikitable"
|align="left"|'''Ask for copy of the peace bond'''
Ask for a '''certified copy''' of the peace bond. Keep it with you at all times. If the other person doesn’t follow the conditions in the peace bond, the police need to see the order before they can do anything. If the peace bond says the person can’t contact your child, give a copy to your child’s teacher or principal. They can show it to the police if the person tries to pick up your child from school.
|}


==Who can help==


[updated June 2018]
===With more information===
The federal '''Department of Justice''' website includes information on victim’s rights, including a fact sheet on applying for a peace bond.
*[https://www.justice.gc.ca/eng/cj-jp/victims-victimes/factsheets-fiches/peace-paix.html Visit website]


'''The above was last reviewed for legal accuracy by Paul Briggs and Jordan Allingham.'''
The '''Legal Aid BC''' website includes the publication “For Your Protection: Peace Bonds and Family Law Protection Orders”.
----
*[https://legalaid.bc.ca/publications/pub/your-protection Visit website]
----


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Latest revision as of 05:37, 27 February 2024

This information applies to British Columbia, Canada. Last reviewed for legal accuracy by Paul Briggs, Paul Briggs Law and Jordan Allingham, Ferguson Allingham in June 2018.
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If you fear for your safety, a peace bond can offer protection. Learn how they work, and what’s involved in seeking a peace bond.

What you should know

With a peace bond, a person promises to keep the peace

A peace bond is a court order designed to keep someone from committing a crime. The person signs (or enters into) the peace bond, agreeing to “keep the peace and be of good behaviour” and obey certain conditions — for example, to not contact someone or visit certain places.

In a criminal case, the prosecutor (also known as Crown counsel) may offer a peace bond to deal with criminal charges against someone.

As well, anyone can seek a peace bond against another person. If you are afraid a person will hurt you or your family or damage your property, you can contact the police to seek a peace bond. More on this in a moment.

If your situation is urgent

Obtaining a peace bond may take several weeks or even months, so peace bonds do not deal with emergencies. In an emergency, call 9-1-1.

You can seek a peace bond against anyone

Under section 810 of the Criminal Code, you can seek a peace bond against anyone. It could be a partner or family member. But it doesn't have to be someone you were in a relationship with. For example, you could apply for a peace bond against a neighbour or co-worker.

A peace bond may be the best option for you if the person you are seeking protection from does not fall within the definition of “family member” in the Family Law Act. If the person you are seeking protection from is someone you think may fall within the definition of “family member,” you may be able to get a family law protection order instead.

What you must show to get a peace bond

To get a peace bond, you must show you have a reasonable fear the other person will:

  • hurt you or someone in your family,
  • damage your property, or
  • share an intimate image or video of you without your consent.

It is not enough to say only that you are personally afraid; the court must find that a reasonable person in the same situation would also be afraid.

If the court agrees there is enough evidence, they will summons the person to come to court for a peace bond hearing. More on this below.

Pursuing assault charges

If a person hurts you or threatens to hurt you, you can also ask the police to charge the person with assault.

Assault is when one person applies force to another person, or attempts or threatens to apply force to them without their consent. Assault is a crime even if you're not hurt, and sometimes even if you were not actually touched.

Depending on the situation, a person can be charged with assault, assault with a weapon, assault causing bodily harm, or aggravated assault. A charge of assault causing bodily harm, for example, might be laid if you need medical treatment for your injuries.

See our information on charging someone with a criminal offence for the steps involved in pursuing an assault charge.

If a person disobeys a peace bond

If the person who enters into a peace bond disobeys the conditions in the peace bond, call the police. Police can arrest the person and charge them with a criminal offence. That could lead to the person being fined or placed on probation, or in some cases even jailed. As well, it could lead to a criminal record. (A peace bond itself is not a criminal conviction.)

A peace bond can be enforced anywhere in Canada.

Ending a peace bond

A peace bond will have an end date on it. Most peace bonds last for one year. Police cannot enforce a peace bond after it has ended.

When a peace bond ends, you need to go back to court if you want a new peace bond. You do not need to wait for the peace bond to end before applying again.

A peace bond can't be cancelled.

Seeking a peace bond

Step 1. Contact the police

If you are afraid a person will hurt you or your family or damage your property, you can contact the police.

The police can gather information from you and others. This will help them assess whether to recommend a peace bond or criminal charges.

Give the police as many details as possible of why you are afraid. Give them any records that show your fear is reasonable — any concerning voicemails, emails, text messages, or social media posts from the person, or any notes you made of interactions with the person. Give police the names of any witnesses who have seen the threatening behaviour.

If the police agree that your fears are reasonable, they will prepare a report for Crown counsel. This is a lawyer employed by the provincial government to prosecute cases.

Getting a peace bond without police help

If the police are unwilling to help, you do have another option, though it may be difficult. You can go to a courthouse and ask the court registry for help in completing the correct forms for a peace bond. In general, court registry staff will contact Crown counsel who will then pass the matter back to police for further investigation. Still, this approach can result in Crown reviewing your case and making the request to police.

Step 2. A process hearing

If the Crown counsel agrees that a peace bond is necessary, a process hearing will be scheduled. This hearing happens without the other person present. The Crown will explain the evidence to the court. If the judge is satisfied that the information provided meets the test for a peace bond, then a peace bond hearing will be set.

Step 3. The peace bond hearing

At the peace bond hearing, a judge will decide whether to impose the peace bond. The person you seek protection from will be summoned to appear.

The hearing may unfold in one of two ways.

The person may agree to enter into the peace bond and to the conditions presented. If that happens, then no evidence will be presented to the judge.

If the person does not agree to the peace bond, Crown counsel will then present evidence to the judge. This will typically involve you needing to testify (tell your story), indicating the reasons for your fear. You can have a lawyer represent you during the hearing, but you don’t have to.

At the end of the hearing, the judge will decide whether you have reasonable grounds to fear the other person. If the judge finds your fears are reasonable, they will order the peace bond.

Ask for copy of the peace bond

Ask for a certified copy of the peace bond. Keep it with you at all times. If the other person doesn’t follow the conditions in the peace bond, the police need to see the order before they can do anything. If the peace bond says the person can’t contact your child, give a copy to your child’s teacher or principal. They can show it to the police if the person tries to pick up your child from school.

Who can help

With more information

The federal Department of Justice website includes information on victim’s rights, including a fact sheet on applying for a peace bond.

The Legal Aid BC website includes the publication “For Your Protection: Peace Bonds and Family Law Protection Orders”.

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