Understanding Your Options When Facing a Bail Hearing Without a Surety
If you’ve been arrested in Ontario and are heading into a bail hearing, one of the first things you might hear is that you need a surety, someone who agrees to supervise you while you’re out on bail.
But what happens if you don’t have a surety?
Can you still get released on bail in Ontario?
✅ Short answer: Yes.
🔍 Longer answer: It depends on your specific situation and a strong legal defence can make all the difference.
What Is a Surety in Ontario?
A surety is typically a close friend or family member who agrees to:
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Supervise you while you’re on bail
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Ensure you follow all bail conditions
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Appear in court if required
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Risk losing a pledged amount of money if you don’t comply
Ontario courts often prefer surety bail, especially for serious charges or repeat offenders. But not everyone has someone who qualifies as a surety—and that’s when alternatives become crucial.
Can I Get Bail Without a Surety?
Yes, there are several bail options without a surety in Ontario. These include:
1. Release on Your Own Recognizance (ROR)
You promise to appear in court and follow conditions without needing a surety. This is more likely if:
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You have no criminal record
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Your charges are minor (e.g., theft under, mischief)
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You have stable housing and strong community ties
2. Bail Verification and Supervision Program (BVSP)
Also known as community bail programs, these exist in many Ontario courts, including:
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Toronto
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Brampton
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Mississauga
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Kitchener
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Milton
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Guelph
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Orangeville
With BVSP, a program officer acts as your supervisor—ensuring compliance through check-ins and progress tracking.
3. House Arrest or Enhanced Bail Conditions
Your lawyer can argue for a non-surety bail with:
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Curfews
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Ankle bracelets
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Daily reporting to authorities
These strict terms can help convince the court to grant bail—even without a surety.
What Are the Challenges?
Getting bail without a surety can be harder because:
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The Crown may object, especially in violent or repeat offences
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The court may consider you a flight risk
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You need a detailed bail plan and a skilled criminal lawyer to advocate on your behalf
Why Hire a Bail Hearing Lawyer in Ontario?
At Adlai Law, we specialize in criminal defence and have helped countless clients secure bail without a surety.
Here’s how we can help:
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✅ Represent you at your bail hearing
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✅ Build a strong legal strategy tailored to your case
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✅ Connect you with community bail programs
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✅ Push for recognizance release or supervised bail
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✅ Fight for fair bail conditions and a faster release
Serving Clients Across Ontario
We represent clients in:
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Vaughan
- Shelburne
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Orangeville and beyond
📞 Call Now for Immediate Help: 519-259-1447
📍 Don’t stay behind bars when you have options.
Let Adlai Law help you secure bail—even without a surety.
🌐 Visit: www.AdlaiLaw.com
🔒 Trusted Criminal Defence Lawyers in Ontario