Ontario’s Bail Lawyers
Value from Experience
Client Testimonials
Bail is Very Personal
Whether you’re on pins and needles worrying about an upcoming Bail Hearing, or anxiously awaiting a Bail Review, or begging for a reasonable Bail Variation so you can go back to work and feed your family, or need someone to expertly guide your Bail Sureties so they can help get you out of jail, or you’re shaken to the core by the prospect of an upcoming Bail Estreatment Hearing that threatens lock you up until your trial (which is still eight months away), you need an experienced and dedicated bail lawyer focused on fighting for your rights and your freedom so you can rejoin your family and resume a normal life while we fight your criminal charges together.
Whatever your individual bail situation is, E-LAW can help. Call 1-888-341-5889 now for a FREE consultation with a Law Society of Ontario Licensed Bail Lawyer.
Value from Experience.
While out on an earlier release order, he was charged with: 1) Fail to Comply with a Release Order, 2) Dangerous Operation, 3) Failure to Provide a Breath Sample, 4) Utter Threats (2 counts), 5) Criminal Harassment, 6) Failure to Comply, 7) Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, 8) Race Motor Vehicle, 9) Failure to Stop for Police. See what happened next - listen to what happened next…
Why Deal with Us? Because We're Good!
Bail
Bail is when a person charged with a criminal offence is released from custody while awaiting trial. Unfortunately, not everyone charged with a criminal offence is granted bail.
Why Is A Bail Hearing Considered a One-Shot Win/Lose Deal
If you do not succeed at your bail hearing, you may have to remain in custody until your trial. Depending on the jurisdiction, your trial date may be many months away.
Can I Avoid a Bail Hearing Altogether?
Yes. In many cases our legal team has been able to negotiate with the prosecutors ahead of time to obtain bail on reasonable terms, removing the potential that our client is denied bail by the judge. Avoiding a formal bail hearing saves you money and reduces time spent in custody.Are My Sureties Required to Testify At My Bail Hearing?
Yes. Sureties are people willing to guarantee your appearance for trial. It is important for both you and your sureties (your proposed bail supervisors) to be prepared for the types of questions they will be asked by the judge or prosecutor. One wrong answer at a bail hearing could potentially make the difference between securing a release and a detention order. See the Bail Surety drop down for more details on the responsibilities of a Bail Surety.
What a judge will look at when deciding whether to let you out on bail*?
1. Your criminal record (if any)2. The seriousness of the charges
3. Your surety's ability to supervise you
4. Protection of the public and/or the alleged victim
5. How likely it would be that you will commit further offences if released on bail
6. Your age and personal life situation
*Not all factors will be looked at in each case. Some things will be more important than others in each individual case.What Happens At A Bail Hearing?
Bail hearings are like mini-trials*. They can be extremely complex, involving calling and interrogating witnesses, as well as the need to cite legal authority (past legal cases relevant to your case) in order to support your arguments for release. Your bail sureties (relatives or friends willing to put up money to guarantee you will appear in court on your trial date) may be examined by the court in great detail. Success is not guaranteed.
*A Bail Hearing Step-by-Step
Step 1: The Crown Prosecutor presents the allegations to the court
Usually, the prosecutor will simply read out the police allegations. However, sometimes the prosecutor will call a witness (or witnesses) to testify in court. This witness will usually be the police officer in charge of the investigation.Step 2: Your lawyer will present your evidence to the court
Usually, this means that you and/or your potential surety (or sureties) will be called to testify before the court. Your lawyer will be trying to convince the court that, if you are released on bail, you will obey your bail conditions and show up in court when required. Your surety (or sureties) must promise the court they will supervise you and guarantee you'll make your court dates and must pay a sum of money to the court if you do not do so.
Step 3: The Crown Prosecutor and Your Lawyer Will Make Final Arguments to the Judge
Both sides make arguments to the Judge or Justice of the Peace.Step 4: A Decision On Your Freedom Is Announced
Having heard all the evidence, the judge or justice of the peace will then decide whether to release you on bail or keep you in jail until your trial date.
Optimise Your Bail Hearing Outcome
Hiring an experienced bail lawyer to assist you at your bail hearing can significantly improve your chances of success. Our Bail Lawyers ensure that both you and your sureties (your proposed bail supervisors) are prepared for the types of questions they will be asked by the judge or prosecutor, because one wrong answer at a bail hearing could potentially make the difference between securing your release or your being held under a detention order.Value from Experience
Bail or Show Cause Hearing
A Bail hearing is sometimes called a 'show cause hearing' or even a 'judicial interim release hearing,' is a hearing where a judge or justice of the peace decides if an accused can be released from custody while awaiting their trial or appeal.
When Will a Bail Hearing Be Held?
Within 24 hours of your being charged with a criminal offense.
How Can I Ask For A Bail Review?
To be granted a bail review, you must prove:1) There has been a material change in your personal circumstances such as a change in your living or work conditions, or there is a new person who will act as your bail surety; or,
2) An error of law was made during your original bail hearing.
You must apply to be Granted a Bail Review
You must make a formal application for a Bail Review. Success is not guaranteed.
Steps to Apply for a Bail Review
Step 1: Notice of ApplicationPrepare a Notice of Application explaining why your request should be approved.
Step 2: Request a Transcript of Your Original Bail Hearing
Request a transcript of your original Bail Hearing from the court reporters at the courthouse where your original bail hearing was held. Note: Transcripts cost a lot of money. It may take several weeks to get your transcripts and you will have to pay for them when you pick them up.
Step 3: Prepare Affidavits
Once you have the transcripts of your original bail hearing, you must prepare affidavits explaining how your circumstances have changed and outlining the proposed changes to your bail. Note: You will need affidavits from yourself and your sureties.
Step 4: Have the Affidavits Commissioned
The affidavits you submit with your Bail Review Application must be commissioned. That means that you swear under oath in front of a commissioner of oaths that the affidavits are true.
Step 5: Schedule a Hearing Date
Your Notice of Application must say when you would like to have your hearing.
Step 6: Give the Crown Prosecutor your Notice of Application
You must provide the Crown Prosecutor your Notice of Application and supporting materials at least 2 days before the requested hearing date.
Step 7: The Crown Prosecutor Reviews Your ApplicationAfter the Crown Prosecutor's office receives your application, they will review your request. After reviewing the application, they may agree to the changes you have requested.
Step 8: A Hearing Will be Scheduled if the Crown Does Not Agree To Your Request
If the Crown does not agree to the changes you've requested, you will have a hearing with a judge in the Superior Court of Justice. At this hearing, you will ask the judge to make an order that your conditions be changed according to the details outlined in your application
Step 9: Judge's Decision
After reviewing your Bail Review Application and weighing your and your surety's testimony, the judge will rule on whether grant you bail.
Optimise Your Bail Review Outcome
Hiring an experienced bail lawyer to assist you with your Bail Review Application can significantly improve your chances of success. One wrong answer on your Bail Review Application or accompanying Affidavit could make the difference between securing a Bail Review and being granted bail or not.
Value from Experience
What's a Bail Review?
If as the result of a Bail Hearing, you are not granted bail, you can request a Bail Review from a higher court. Bail Reviews can take time to set up and they can be expensive and complex. Success is not guaranteed.
Who Can Ask For a Bail Review?
You can ask for a Bail Review if you were refused bail at your Bail Hearing.
The Crown Prosecutors can ask for a Bail Review if the Crown is not happy with the fact you have been granted release on bail.
How Can I Apply For A Consent Variation?
You or your lawyer can contact the Crown Prosecutor to ask if they will agree to the changes you want to make. If the Crown agrees, you and your surety can fill out the Application for Consent Bail Variation form and email it to the Crown. The Crown will fill in their part and send the form to the court. The court decides if the changes should be approved. Note: You must follow your original bail conditions until the court emails you an approved form..
Applying for a Consent Variation Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather Your Supporting Documents
You will increase your chances of having your request approved if you have documents that show the Crown why you need your conditions changed. For example, you may want to change a condition that says you must remain in your home between sunset and sunrise to take a job that requires you to work from 3 PM to midnight. If you want to take this job, ask the employer to give you a letter on company letterhead that describes the job and work hours.
Step 2: Obtain the Crown Prosecutor's Approval
Changing your conditions is not a right. The Crown must agree with your request before it is presented to a judge. You will have to explain to the Crown why the conditions of your bail or police undertaking should be changed. The Crown will consider: a) The offence you've been charged with; b) the conditions you're asking to change; c) the reason(s) for the change; d) potential safety concerns for the complainant or community; e) how well you've followed the conditions of your bail so far.Step 3: Obtain a Bail Variation Form
Bail Variation forms are available at the Crown's office in the courthouse.Step 4: Complete the Bail Variation Form
To complete the form, you will need to provide information from your original bail or police undertaking. It's wise to attach a copy of your original bail to the Bail Variation form.
Step 5: Get a Lawyer to Sign the Completed Bail Variation FormYou must sign the form in front of a witness who is a lawyer. If you don't have a lawyer, duty counsel at the courthouse can witness the form.
Step 6: Obtain the Crown Prosecutor's Signature
The Crown Prosecutor who agreed to the variation must sign the Bail Variation Form.
Step 7: Take the Signed and Approved Bail Variation Form to the CourtOnce you have the Crown's signature, go to the office of the Justice of The Peace in the courthouse. Any sureties that you have must also come with you.
Step 8: You will be examined by the Justice of the Peace
The justice of the peace will talk to you to make sure that you understand your updated bail conditions including a) what has been changed since the original bail conditions were set; and b) what has not been changed and still applies.
Step 9: The Justice of the Peace Will Render A DecisionIf the justice of the peace does not agree to change your conditions through a consent variation, they will order a hearing to be held in the Ontario Court of Justice. At the hearing, you will have the opportunity to provide information that shows why your conditions should be changed.
Note: Even if the Crown has agreed to your Bail Variation, the justice of the peace may refuse to change your bail conditions. If this happens, you may be eligible to ask to have your conditions changed through a Bail Review.
Optimise Your Bail Variation Outcome
Hiring an experienced bail lawyer to assist you may improve your chances of obtaining a successful Bail Variation. Bail Variation applications must be clear, concise, and accurate. One wrong answer during interactions with the Crown and/or the Justice of the Peace can often make the difference between success and failure.
Value from Experience
A Bail Variation Allows You to Change My Bail or Police Undertaking Conditions?
Bail is a court order allowing you to remain in the community while your case is before the criminal courts. A police undertaking is another type of release from custody. Both types of release can have conditions that you must follow. You can ask to change the conditions of your bail or police undertaking by applying for a consent variation. Note: Changing your conditions is not a right. The court may not agree to your request.
What Are The Qualifications for a Surety
A surety must:
1. Be over the age of 18
2. Be able to attend court to sign the bail agreement
3. Be a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant
4. Not be involved in the offence the person has been charged with
5. Not have any outstanding criminal charges
6. Be able to monitor the accused to make sure they are complying with conditions of release
7. Be willing to report a breach of the bail agreement if one occurs
8. Have some financial asset(s) available to pledge to the court as security
9. Not act as a surety for more than one person at a time
10. Not have a criminal record.
What are the Responsibilities of my Surety?
A surety must:1. Make sure you go to court when required.
2. Make sure you follow all bail conditions.
3. Call the police if you fail to follow any of the bail conditions you've agreed to.
How Much Money Will My Surety Have to Pledge?
Your surety will have to pledge to pay money to the court if you fail to follow the conditions of your bail. This money is formally known as the 'Quantum of the Bail' and could be forfeited to the court. The amount of money promised must be a significant amount to your surety. The court will want to confirm this is the case by examining the surety's bank statements and other financial records.
Who Decides How Much My Surety Will Have to Pay?
Your lawyer or the duty counsel will tell the court the amount you're able to promise. However, the justice of the peace or judge at the bail hearing will decide the security amount.
What Happens if My Surety Changes Their Mind?
Your surety can decide they no longer want to be involved with your case by applying to the court in writing and asking to be removed as surety. When the court accepts this request a surety warrant will be issued for you, and you will be arrested and put back into custody.
How An Experienced Bail Lawyer Can Help
An experienced bail lawyer can help manage your Surety's expectations and concerns. Since sureties are almost always close friends or relatives, your lawyer can work with your surety to make sure they are comfortable with the undertaking.
Value from Experience
What's a Surety?
A surety is someone who agrees to supervise an accused person while they've been released into the community on bail while waiting for their criminal charges to be resolved in court. Usually, a surety will be a friend or relative.
Caution: It is against the law to accept payment for being a surety.
What Are The Qualifications for a Estreatment Hearing
A Estreatment Hearing must:
1. Be over the age of 18
2. Be able to attend court to sign the bail agreement
3. Be a Canadian citizen or a landed immigrant
4. Not be involved in the offence the person has been charged with
5. Not have any outstanding criminal charges
6. Be able to monitor the accused to make sure they are complying with conditions of release
7. Be willing to report a breach of the bail agreement if one occurs
8. Have some financial asset(s) available to pledge to the court as security
9. Not act as a Estreatment Hearing for more than one person at a time
10, Not have a criminal record.
What are the Responsibilities of my Estreatment Hearing?
A Estreatment Hearing must:1. Make sure you go to court when required.
2. Make sure you follow all bail conditions.
3. Call the police if you fail to follow any of the bail conditions you've agreed to.
How Much Money Will My Estreatment Hearing Have to Pledge?
Your Estreatment Hearing will have to pledge to pay money to the court if you fail to follow the conditions of your bail. This money is formally known as the 'Quantum of the Bail' and could be forfeited to the court. The amount of money promised must be a significant amount to your Estreatment Hearing. The court will want to confirm this is the case by examining the Estreatment Hearing's bank statements and other financial records.
Who Decides How Much My Estreatment Hearing Will Have to Pay?
Your lawyer or the duty counsel will tell the court the amount you're able to promise. However, the justice of the peace or judge at the bail hearing will decide the security amount.
What Happens if My Estreatment Hearing Changes Their Mind?
Your Estreatment Hearing can decide they no longer want to be involved with your case by applying to the court in writing and asking to be removed as Estreatment Hearing. When the court accepts this request a Estreatment Hearing warrant will be issued for you, and you will be arrested and put back into custody.
How An Experienced Bail Lawyer Can Help
An experienced bail lawyer can help manage your Estreatment Hearing's expectations and concerns. Since sureties are almost always close friends or relatives, your lawyer can work with your Estreatment Hearing to make sure they are comfortable with the undertaking.
Value from Experience
What's a Estreatment Hearing?
A Estreatment Hearing is someone who agrees to supervise an accused person while they've been released into the community on bail while waiting for their criminal charges to be resolved in court. Usually, a Estreatment Hearing will be a friend or relative.
Caution: It is against the law to accept payment for being a Estreatment Hearing.
_gif.gif)
If you are facing any
type of Bail situation
-
Your best option is to Speak Directly to one of our Expert Bail Lawyers
-
The Initial Consultation is FREE
-
Get Straight Answers to All Your Questions
-
Expert advice on Bail Hearings, Reviews, Variations, Sureties, Estreatment
-
Zero Interest, Budget-Friendly Financing to help you pay for your legal expenses.
Call and speak directly to a Law Society of Ontario Licensed Expert Bail Lawyer for FREE right now.
"What can I say? I figured I was toast. Two other lawyers wouldn’t even take my case. Somehow, these guys connected with the Crown and got me out. Don’t know how they did it. All I know is I’m cleaning up my act starting now. "
S.K.
-----------------------
Facing a DUI charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
(xxx) yyy-zzzz 24/7
O.A.
Facing a Bail charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
Call now: 1-888-341-5889 (Available 24/7)
Case: R. v. O.A.Charges: While out on an earlier release order, O.A. was charged with: 1) Fail to Comply with a Release Order, 2) Dangerous Operation, 3) Failure to Provide a Breath Sample, 4) Utter Threats (2 counts), 5) Criminal Harassment, 6) Failure to Comply, 7) Dangerous Operation of a Motor Vehicle, 8) Race Motor Vehicle, 9) Failure to Stop for Police.Result: Released on Bail
"Magic. Frigging magic.
Thank you. Thank you. Thanks."
Use this space to share a testimonial quote about the business, its products or its services. Insert a quote from a real customer or client here to build trust and win over site visitors.
K.I.
Facing a Bail charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
Call now: 1-888-341-5889 (Available 24/7)
Case: R. v. K.I.
Charges: Conspiracy to commit an indictable offence, where the indictable offences include: 1) Robbery with a Firearm, 2) Disguise with Intent, 3) Point Firearm, 4) Threaten Death, 5) Possession of a Weapon, 6) Possession of Property Obtained by Crime, 7) Unauthorized Possession of a Firearm, 8) Possession of a Prohibited Firearm with Ammunition, 9) Possess a Firearm Obtained By Crime, 10) Careless use of a firearm, 11) Possession of Property Obtained by Crime
Result: Released on Bail
"Can’t beat these guys. I sunk my savings into the bail review. They just kept plugging, had answer for all the questions at the review. and did whatever it took to get me out."
Use this space to share a testimonial quote about the business, its products or its services. Insert a quote from a real customer or client here to build trust and win over site visitors.
F.J.
Facing a Bail charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
Call now: 1-888-341-5889 (Available 24/7)
Case: R. v. F.J.
Charges: 1) Impaired Driving, 2) Two (2) Counts of Possession of Proceeds of Crime,
3) Failure to Comply with a Release Order for an earlier Impaired Driving Charge
Story behind the charges: F.J. was facing charges of DUI and failure to comply with a release order made in relation to multiple counts of possession of proceeds of crime (2) and failure to comply with an earlier release order made when F.J. was charged with impaired driving.
Result: After a Bail Review, our lawyers secured F.J.’s release from custody!
“I’m very happy, I couldn’t have asked for more, this was the best-case scenario, I’m very happy, and impressed, I thought this wouldn’t work. So, I’m very relieved. Thank you! I am very happy with how it turned out. I’m so grateful for you."
Use this space to share a testimonial quote about the business, its products or its services. Insert a quote from a real customer or client here to build trust and win over site visitors.
P.N.
Facing a ASSAULT charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
Call now: 1-888-341-5889 (Available 24/7)
Case: R. v. P.N.
Charge: Aggravated Assault
Result: All Criminal Charges Withdrawn
“OMG I cannot believe it! I thought my life was ruined and you got me off. Thank you, thank you, thank you!"
S.K.
-----------------------
Facing a DUI charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
(xxx) yyy-zzzz 24/7
R.E.
Facing a ASSAULT charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
Call now: 1-888-341-5889 (Available 24/7)
Case: R. v. R.E.
Charge: Sexual Assault
Result: Charges Stayed – Case Dismissed
“I’m so grateful for you and your team. To hear those words, ‘CRIMINAL CHARGES WITHDRAWN’, wow! Nothing feels better than that. This was the best-case scenario; I couldn’t ask for more. I’m very happy and impressed with your knowledge and experience. From the first moment I spoke with you on the phone, I knew you were the lawyer for me. Now my family is back together. My children can see their father again. I’m very relieved. I’m so grateful for you and I am very happy with how it turned out, thank you!"
Use this space to share a testimonial quote about the business, its products or its services. Insert a quote from a real customer or client here to build trust and win over site visitors.
P.N.
Facing a ASSAULT charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
Call now: 1-888-341-5889 (Available 24/7)
Case: R. v. P.N.
Charge: Domestic Assault
Result: All Criminal Charges Withdrawn
“What a bad dream. This experience almost killed me. I lost my friends and my reputation. But it’s over now and thanks to you I have no criminal record and my name is cleared. God bless you."
S.K.
-----------------------
Facing a DUI charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
(xxx) yyy-zzzz 24/7
K.G.
Facing a ASSAULT charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
Call now: 1-888-341-5889 (Available 24/7)
Case: R. v. K.G.
Charge: Utter Threats Cause Bodily Harm
Result: All Criminal Charges Withdrawn
This situation was an honest mistake that got out of hand. Honestly, I was lost without you. It was a huge relief to get this off my back!"
S.K.
-----------------------
Facing a DUI charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
(xxx) yyy-zzzz 24/7
X.L.
Facing a ASSAULT charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
Call now: 1-888-341-5889 (Available 24/7)
Case: R. v. X.L.
Charge: Domestic Mischief
Result: All Criminal Charges Withdrawn
“I’m so grateful for you and your team. To hear those words, ‘CRIMINAL CHARGES WITHDRAWN’, wow! Nothing feels better than that. This was the best-case scenario; I couldn’t ask for more. I’m very happy and impressed with your knowledge and experience. From the first moment I spoke with you on the phone, I knew you were the lawyer for me. Now my family is back together. My children can see their father again. I’m very relieved. I’m so grateful for you and I am very happy with how it turned out, thank you!”
S.K.
-----------------------
Facing a DUI charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
(xxx) yyy-zzzz 24/7
P.N.
Facing a ASSAULT charge?
Contact us immediately for your FREE Initial Consultation.
Call now: 1-888-341-5889 (Available 24/7)
Case: R. v. P.N.
Charge: Domestic Assault
Result: All Criminal Charges Withdrawn
Client Testimonials
E-LAW PROFESSIONAL CORPORATION
Our experienced legal team is made up of twenty-seven legal professionals, including:
-
Ten very experienced Law Society of Ontario Licenced Lawyers
-
A Legal support team made up of nine Legal Administration Assistants, Legal Clerks and Students at Law
-
An experienced Legal Office Manager and Assistant Legal Office Manager.
-
An experienced Corporate Controller and Business Systems Analyst
-
Four Client Care Coordinators, providing direct client support 24/7
Ontario’s BAIL Lawyers
Value from Experience
Communities
we’ve served