No contact

When you are released from custody you may be given release conditions that you must follow. These conditions are referred to as terms of release, and may include no contact conditions. Conditions might include that you stay away from certain people, such as the victim, or places, such as the victim’s residence.

You may also be subject to a court order that you not contact someone, such as the victim. Bail, probation and restraining orders and peace bonds may all include no contact conditions. The judge will make such an order if they believe you pose a danger to another person and want to ensure you have no contact with that person. The judge can order a peace bond or restraining order even if you have not been charged, convicted or sentenced. These are also referred to as protection orders.

Whether they are contained in your terms of release or in a court order, it is important that you fully understand all conditions you are subject to. Breaching any of them can have serious consequences. Be sure to discuss your conditions with your parole, probation officer or consult with a lawyer. 

Protection order registry

All criminal and civil court orders containing no contact conditions issued against you in B.C. are put into a confidential computer database called the Protection Order Registry. These court orders are sent to the Protection Order Registry the day they are issued and are immediately entered into the database.

Police have 24-hour access to the Protection Order Registry. This allows police to enforce criminal and civil protection orders by being able to obtain a copy within minutes.