LIFESTYLES HELP’S AT HAND HELP’S AT Hand, a weekly feature by North Shore Community Services, answers questions about and ‘discusses such topics as government policies and programs, benefits, consumer and legal rights, taxa- tion and public services. Answers published in this column are intended on- ly as a general guide and should not be applied to individual cases without further consultation. Question: I read an article in the newspaper about a bail bonds company in the U.S. that puts up bail bonds for a percentage fee. The article said there are no bail bonds companies in Canada. Can you explain how the bail system works in Canada? Answer: A person who has been arrested and charged with a criminal offence may be freed on bail pending the trial. If the accused has not been releas- ed by the arresting officer or the officer-in-charge, that person has the right to be released by the Justice, unless the prosecutor shows cause why the accused should be kept in custody or conditions set on his or her release. In general terms, an application for bail is an ap- plication to be released from jail to await trial on a criminal charge. A judge will issue the bail release order and may ask for one of several different types of bail. The simplest form of bail release order is an Undertaking to Appear. This form of bail is often used for individuals with either no record or a minor record. The accused must sign the form and agree to its conditions. The conditions may require the accus- ed to report to a bail supervisor, live at a certain ad- dress, or maintain distance from certain individuals. Another form of release is a Recognizance. This agreement involves paying a set amount of money if the accused person does not appear in court as directed. The accused can be released on his or her own recognizance, in which case the judge would set an amount of money to be paid if he or she fails to appear. A Recognizance with Surety is when a person in addition to the accused agrees to pay the amount specified if the accused fails to appear in court. In Canada, bail is as much a moral as a financial obligation. The idea is for the accused to provide the court with the personal assurance of another indi- vidual that he or she, the accused, will appear in court as directed. This is why using an impersonal bail company, which puts up bail money for a per- centage fee without personal knowledge of the ac- cused, is not appropriate. The most severe type of bail set by a court is a Cash Deposit. The judge might order this if the ac- cused lives outside the jurisdiction of the court or has no fixed address. lt would mean that an amount of money must be deposited with the court before the accused could be released. If the accused failed to attend court when required, the money might not be returned. North Shore Community Services, a United Way agency, is located at 1060 Roosevelt Cres., North Vancouver, 3.C. V7P 1M3, telephone 985-7138. This column is prepared with financial assistance from the Notary Founcation. Options for volunteers PARTICIPATE IN your com- A POSITIVE and caring person TOUR guides fluent in English, munity by volunteering to help an is needed to establist: a volunteer with good communication skills organization or individual in need. development committee for the and an interest in Lower Mainland The following list is a sample of Cancer Society. The volunteer will history are wanted to take elemen- many opportunities available. A’ BINGO caller with a loud, volunteers in the community. THE ANNUAL duck race numbers at a seniors Bingo game needs volunteers to sell tickets in clear voice. is needed to call out recruit, place, train and recognize tary school children on tours of a turn of the century village. If you are interested in these or on Wednesdays between I and 3 malls. Volunteers are required to any other volunteer activities call p.m. This position is suitable for a work one two-hour shift per week Dru at 985-7138 at North Shore fun-loving senior. C9 1,079 -1,932 Sq.Ft. DISPLAY SUITE OPEN DAILY FROM 1-5 pm. Courtesy to Realtors G9 HARBOUR HEIGHTS 1080 Highview Terrace for five weeks. HARBOUR HEIGHTS 64 et bee DEST years PRICED FROM $129,900 GST REBATE on all unconditional agreements entered into prior to Feb. 28/91 For a complete list of the numerous features offered in these quality townhomes, please call: Lynda Avis at 754-6884 24 Hours Community Services. This coupon entitles you to $1.00 off a pound of Second Cup Arabica Bean Coffee Our business is Speciality Coffee & Teas Also specializing in CAFE AU LAIT, CAPPUCCINO, ESPRESSO Capilano Mall location only 986-9012 Feb 268, 91 - RE-UPHOLSTERY - WOOD REFINISHING - DRAPERY - EXCELLENT SELECTION OF FABRICS - CUSTOM MADE FURNITURE - ALL WORK GUARANTEED |» PICK-UP AND DELIVERY / IN HOME ESTIMATES 8 GOSTIGK PLACE, NORTH VANCOUVER — 980-6067: sun6e,blIOCKS south of Cap. Nurseries off Bewicke) d HAPPY BIRTHDAY DOMINO’S PIZZA. Domino's Pizza of North Vancouver is 1 year old. To help us celebrate, when you order a Domino’s Double (that’s 2 terrific pizzas for 1 terrific price) during the week of Feb. Ath through 10th, we will give you a gift CERTIFICATE for *S.O0 off YOUR NEXT ORDER Sunday, February 3, 1991 - North Shore News - 43 3 Ry 984-0300 116 A West iSth Off Haliburton at Petroglyph Provincial Park Nanaimo, British Columbia V9R 5K6 Limited Delivery Area Drivers carry less than $20 7 gt