A Section 810 Peace Bond under the Criminal Code involves a unique legal process. According to Section 810, there must be a formal complaint stating that there are reasonable grounds to believe the accused could cause harm to someone, such as their intimate partner or child.
The Section 810 Peace Bond is commonly used in cases of domestic disputes, where the Crown may agree to withdraw criminal charges if the accused consents to the terms of the bond. This often includes the accused committing to behavioral management, such as attending therapy or counselling. Other typical conditions may involve abstaining from alcohol, participating in counselling, and regularly reporting to a probation officer.
The process to initiate a Section 810 Peace Bond involves law enforcement reaching out to the complainant to assess whether ongoing fears about the accused exist. If the complainant continues to feel threatened, the officer will submit a sworn information document to the judge for consideration.