Criminal Code s. 810 (protection) orders

Criminal Code s. 810 (protection) orders

If you fear violence or harm from another person, you may be able to get an order from the Provincial Court to protect yourself.

If you are concerned that you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local police emergency number.

What is this order? 

These orders are called "section 810 orders" because this is the section of the Criminal Code<p><span lang="EN-US">Criminal Code of Canada (CCC)</span><span lang="EN-US"> is the federal law that applies across Canada and sets out criminal offences, sentences and how a criminal case proceeds. A judge must follow the law in the </span><span lang="EN-US">Criminal Code</span><span lang="EN-US">.</span><span>&nbsp;</span></p> that authorizes them. They are also sometimes called peace bonds.

This order is a court order to help protect a person who fears violence. The order usually lists conditions (rules) the person named in it must follow. For example, they might be ordered not to have contact or communicate with the person who needs protection. 

How to get an order

Contact the police to ask for this order under the Criminal Code. The police will take a report and give it to the Crown counsel<p>Independent lawyers with the federal or provincial prosecution service. Crown counsel do not represent the government, police or victim of crime. Rather, they perform their function on behalf of the public. Crown counsel may also be referred to as Crown, Crown prosecutors or prosecutors.</p>'s office. If the Crown agrees that the matter should proceed, there will be a court hearing. The judge who hears the case will decide whether to make an order. 

After an order is made

These orders are filed in a Protection Order Registry that police have access to. It is an offence to violate these orders. These orders expire after one year, but can be renewed by a judge.  

Other options

If you are seeking protection from a family member, you may be able to get a protection order<p>In Family Law Act cases: An order made by a judge under the Family Law Act to protect one family member from another where there is a risk of family violence. In criminal court: An order made by a judge under s. 810 of the Criminal Code to limit or prohibit contact or communications between people where there is a safety risk. Legally called a “810 recognizance”, also called a “peace bond” or a “no contact order”.</p> against that family member under the Family Law Act<p>The main provincial law that deals with family law issues in BC.</p>