Peace Bonds in Newfoundland and Labrador: What You Need to Know

If you’re concerned that someone might harm you, your partner, your child, damage your property, or share intimate images of you without consent, a peace bond may provide the legal protection and peace of mind you need. A peace bond is not a criminal conviction, but it is a binding court order with serious consequences if breached.

At Orr Cabot Crosbie Oley Law (OCCO Law), we help individuals throughout Newfoundland and Labrador understand their rights and navigate the peace bond process—whether they’re seeking protection or responding to a peace bond application. Here’s what you need to know.

What Is a Peace Bond?

A peace bond is a legal order made under the Criminal Code of Canada requiring someone to “keep the peace and be of good behaviour.” It may also impose specific conditions tailored to protect you from anticipated harm. These can include:

No contact with you or your family
Restrictions from attending your home, workplace, or school
A prohibition on owning or possessing weapons
Any other condition necessary to prevent harm

A peace bond typically lasts for up to 12 months. If the person subject to the bond violates any of its terms, they can be charged with a criminal offence.

Why Do Peace Bonds Exist?

Peace bonds are designed to prevent harm before it occurs. They are often used in situations involving threats, harassment, or escalating conflict and can be a practical alternative when there’s not enough evidence to lay criminal charges—or when someone simply wants protection without pursuing a criminal case.

Examples of when a peace bond might be appropriate include:

Ongoing disputes with a neighbour, acquaintance, or former friend
Threats to personal safety or property
Domestic or family conflict
Fear that someone will share intimate images or recordings without your consent

Peace Bond vs. Restraining Order: What’s the Difference?

Many people confuse peace bonds and restraining orders, but they are different legal tools:

Peace Bonds are issued in criminal court under the Criminal Code and can be used in any type of relationship—including between strangers, coworkers, or neighbours. The focus is on future harm or risk.
Restraining Orders are typically used in family court and apply only to family members or people in intimate relationships, such as spouses or ex-partners. They are governed by provincial family law legislation.

Not sure which applies? OCCO Law can help determine the best legal route for your situation.

Who Can Apply for a Peace Bond?

You can apply for a peace bond if you reasonably fear that someone may:

Harm you, your child, or your intimate partner
Damage your property
Distribute intimate images or recordings of you without your consent

You don’t need to have a personal or romantic relationship with the person you’re concerned about. A peace bond can be issued against anyone, provided there are reasonable grounds to believe harm may occur.

How to Get a Peace Bond in Newfoundland and Labrador

Here is what to expect if you are applying for a peace bond in NL:

Step 1: Visit Your Local Provincial Courthouse

Go to the criminal service counter and request the peace bond application form. You may apply on your own or have someone submit it on your behalf.

Step 2: Submit the Form and meet with a Justice of the Peace

Once your application is submitted, a judicial official will assess whether there are sufficient grounds to proceed. If so, you’ll be asked to swear an “information” under oath—a formal statement supporting your request.

The court may then issue a summons or warrant for the defendant to appear in court.

Step 3: First Court Appearance

At the first appearance, the defendant will hear why the bond is being sought. If they consent, the peace bond will be issued without a hearing. If they contest it, a peace bond hearing will be scheduled.

Step 4: Peace Bond Hearing (If Needed)

Both parties can present evidence and call witnesses. The judge will decide whether there are reasonable grounds to issue the bond and what conditions should apply.

Sometimes, the court may propose a mutual peace bond, which places restrictions on both parties.

Can You Get a Peace Bond Without Criminal Charges?

Yes. A peace bond can be requested even if no crime has been committed. Its purpose is to protect individuals from future harm, making it a preventive tool under the law.

In some cases, a peace bond may also be offered as a resolution to a criminal charge, where the accused agrees to the bond and the charge is withdrawn. Whether you are applying for a peace bond or defending against one, legal advice is strongly recommended.

Do I Need a Lawyer for a Peace Bond?

While you’re not required to have a lawyer, having legal representation can significantly strengthen your application—or your defence against one.

At OCCO Law, we help clients:

Prepare supporting documents and evidence
Navigate court procedures
Negotiate appropriate terms
Represent you at peace bond hearings

What Happens After a Peace Bond Is Issued?

If a peace bond is signed, either by agreement or after a hearing:

It remains in effect for up to 12 months
You should request and carry a certified copy with you
You may share a copy with others as needed (e.g., school officials or employers)

If the person bound by the peace bond violates its terms, they may be arrested and face criminal charges. If they refuse to sign a peace bond ordered by the court, they could be sentenced to up to one year in jail.

Will a Peace Bond Appear on My Record?

A peace bond is not a criminal conviction, so it does not result in a traditional criminal record. However, the fact that a peace bond was issued may appear on some police background checks, especially vulnerable sector screenings, during the time it is active and potentially for some time afterward.

Can a Peace Bond Be Removed from My Record?

While you cannot apply for a traditional record suspension (pardon) for a peace bond (since it is not a conviction), you may be eligible to request that police remove or suppress the information related to the peace bond after a period of time.

This is often done through a police record purge request, and eligibility varies depending on the jurisdiction and the circumstances of the case. At OCCO Law, we can advise you on whether your peace bond may still appear in record checks and what your options are for minimizing its long-term impact.

Need Legal Help with a Peace Bond in Newfoundland and Labrador?

Whether you’re seeking protection through a peace bond or defending yourself against one, the stakes are high. The process can be complex, and the consequences are real.

At Orr Cabot Crosbie Oley Law, our experienced criminal defence team is here to support you every step of the way—from applying for a peace bond to representing you at a hearing, or advising on record implications and removals.