Peace Bonds and Withdrawals

Entering into a peace bond is not a guilty plea, it is not a finding of guilt, and it does not create a criminal record. The charge is withdrawn when the bond is entered. There is ordinarily an acknowledgement that the complainant had reasonable grounds to fear, which is a very different thing from an admission that the offence occurred.

For allegations of assault, threats, harassment and mischief, particularly where the parties know each other, this is frequently the most sensible outcome available to everyone involved.

Diversion and programmes

For property offences, minor thefts and some first time matters, Crown offices operate diversion programmes. Community service, a charitable donation, a counselling component or restitution is completed, and the charge is withdrawn on proof of completion. Getting into a programme is not automatic and depends on how the file is presented.

Straight withdrawals

Charges are also simply withdrawn where the Crown concludes there is no reasonable prospect of conviction. That conclusion follows from someone identifying the problem in the case and putting it to them in writing, before a trial date consumes a year.

What it takes

Every one of these routes depends on the same groundwork: disclosure read early, weaknesses identified, and a considered written position sent to the Crown at the right moment. None of them are favours. They are the product of preparation.