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Guides · Sureties

What does a surety do in Ontario?

What usually happens, in plain words, for the person charged and the family.

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Written by Ali Sheikh, founder of Remandly (not a lawyer) · Published under a standard reviewed by an Ontario-licensed criminal lawyer, called to the bar in 2017.

Last reviewed September 22, 2026 · Updated October 11, 2026

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What is a surety promising?

Two things. That you will make sure the person follows every condition of their release. And that if they don’t, you may lose the amount you pledged.

You are not promising they are innocent, and you are not paying anything up front — the money is a pledge, not a deposit.

Who does the court accept as a surety?

The court has no fixed list, but it looks for an adult with a stable address in Ontario, no serious record, a real relationship with the person, and enough presence in their life to supervise. Owning a home or steady work helps because it shows the pledge is real. A surety does not have to be rich.

What happens to the surety at the hearing?

You may be asked to testify — plain questions about who you are, how you know the person, where they will live, and how you will supervise. Dress like it matters. Answer honestly.

If you are unsure whether you can commit, say so before the hearing, not on the stand.

What does a surety need to bring?

Government photo ID
Proof of address (a bill, a lease)
Proof of what you own or earn, if you have it (mortgage statement, pay stub)
Your phone — the lawyer’s office will need to reach you

What does a surety do while the person is on bail?

Make sure the person follows every condition, and tell the police or the court if they don’t. You can withdraw as surety at any time by going to the court. The person then goes back into custody until a new plan is approved. That is a serious step, but it is your right — you are not trapped.

What do we see with sureties?

Most people asked to be a surety have never heard the word. The call is usually the surety themselves, asking what they’re signing up for: supervising the conditions, and a pledge of money that is at risk if the conditions are broken. When you call Remandly, those questions are answered in plain words before anyone stands up in court.

What do people ask about being a surety?

Can I be a surety if I have a record?

Sometimes, depending on what and when. Lawyers plan around what they know. A breach, a new charge, or a change of address that reaches the office late changes what can be done at the next appearance.

Can two people share it?

Yes, courts often accept two sureties.

Can I be a surety from outside Ontario?

It is harder; ask the office.

Sources

Legal Aid Ontario, accessed September 25, 2026
Steps to Justice (CLEO), accessed September 25, 2026
Ontario Court of Justice, accessed September 25, 2026

Free 24/7 criminal law information · not legal advice. Legal Aid Ontario: 1-800-668-8258

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