Yes No Share to Facebook
Bail Review: A Legal Process in Ontario for Ensuring Appropriate Bail Conditions and Avoiding Unnecessary Custody
Last Updated: August 23 2026
Question: How do I request a bail review in Ontario after bail is denied?
Answer: If you are in Ontario and bail was denied or you are unhappy with bail conditions, a bail review lets you ask a judge to reconsider release so you are not held in custody unnecessarily. In most cases, you (or your lawyer) must file the bail review application within 7 days of the initial bail hearing, and the judge will weigh factors like the strength of the Crown’s case, any criminal record, community ties, and the likelihood you will appear in court. A judge can grant bail with conditions or keep you in custody, so moving quickly and presenting a clear, credible bail plan and supporting evidence matters. DefendCharges.Lawyer can help you prepare and argue for reasonable conditions or release across Ontario, call (647) 977-5997 for a free 1/2-hour consultation.
#
Bail review is a legal process in Ontario that allows individuals who have been denied bail or are dissatisfied with their bail conditions to have their case reviewed by a judge. The purpose of the bail review is to ensure that the bail conditions are appropriate and that the accused is not being held in custody unnecessarily. In Ontario, the bail review process is governed by the Criminal Code of Canada and the Bail Reform Act. The Bail Reform Act sets out the criteria for bail review, including the types of cases that can be reviewed, the procedures for filing a bail review application, and the criteria for granting bail.
When an individual is arrested, they are brought before a justice of the peace or judge who decides whether or not to grant bail. If bail is denied, the individual can apply for a bail review. The application must be filed within seven days of the initial bail hearing. At the bail review hearing, the judge will consider the facts of the case and the accused’s criminal record, if any. The judge will also consider the accused’s ties to the community, such as family, employment, and residence. The judge will also consider the nature and seriousness of the offence and the likelihood of the accused appearing in court. The judge may decide to grant bail, deny bail, or impose conditions on the accused. Conditions may include a surety, a curfew, or a requirement to report to a bail supervisor. If the judge denies bail, the accused may be held in custody until their trial.
The Law
Summary Comment
The bail review process is an important part of the criminal justice system in Ontario. It ensures that individuals are not held in custody unnecessarily and that bail conditions are appropriate. It also ensures that the accused is able to appear in court and participate in their own defence.
