What is Bail?

Anyone who is arrested, taken into custody, and charged must be considered for bail. Bail is a court order that allows an individual facing criminal charges to be released back into the community while their case proceeds through the legal system. At the bail stage, everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty, either through a plea or a trial.

What is a Bail Plan?

Defense lawyers, duty counsel, and bail workers collaborate to create a comprehensive bail plan by identifying sureties, securing suitable residences, recommending conditions, and providing verified information to court officials. The goal of a bail plan is to address concerns that, if released, the accused may fail to appear in court, commit another offense, pose danger, or undermine public confidence in the justice system. A bail plan typically outlines:

  • The residence where the accused will live.
  • The individual responsible for supervising the accused.
  • Any curfew that may be imposed.
  • The necessary and reasonable release conditions.
  • Measures to address issues related to alcohol, drugs, weapons, or violence.
  • Plans to ensure the accused keeps up with court dates and can attend court.

Contact

Amanda Ratte
Manager of Bail Programs
Timmins Office
119 Pine Street South, Suite 210, Timmins ON P4N 2K3
Cell: (705) 288- 5515
aratte@nanlegal.on.ca

Elizabeth Norman
Indigenous Bail Worker
Timmins Office
Cell: (705) 288- 7800
Fax: (705) 268- 0012
enorman@nanlegal.on.ca 

Kayla Knapp
Indigenous Bail Worker
Thunder Bay Office
101 Syndicate Ave N, Suite 101
Thunder Bay, ON
Tel: 807-622-1413
Cell: 807-629-4198
kknapp@nanlegal.on.ca

Samantha McAllister
Indigenous Bail Worker
Timmins Office
Cell: (705) 221-8889
Fax: (705) 268- 0012
smcallister@nanlegal.on.ca

Indigenous Bail Verification & Supervision Program

Bail supervision plays a crucial role in the program by assisting accused individuals who lack the financial resources or social connections to secure release before trial. The program aims to monitor clients within the community by ensuring they attend court dates, adhere to bail conditions, and reside at approved addresses. When a referral is made for a client in custody, Indigenous Bail Workers conduct an intake meeting, followed by a risk-based assessment to determine the individual’s eligibility for bail supervision. The Indigenous Bail Worker then develops a bail plan that outlines their eligibility to aid the court in its decision-making process.

INTAKE ⇒ ASSESSMENT FOR SUPERVISION ⇒ RELEASE PLAN CREATION

Obligations for a Client in Supervision:

  • Attend scheduled meetings with their bail worker.
  • Follow all conditions of release.
  • Attend all court dates.
  • Comply with the rules and obligations of the bail program.

Community Release & Reintegration Program

Community Release and Reintegration Workers play a crucial role in the bail program by providing Indigenous Bail Verification and Supervision services, which includes creating bail plans and offering supervision during the bail period to eligible clients. Other services offered include:

  • Creating healing plans and support
  • Reintegration for individuals leaving the criminal justice system.
  • Providing legal information, referrals, and connections to support services.
  • Offering language and culturally relevant services.
  • Facilitating connections and assistance for clients

 

View our Brochure

Release & Reintegration Workers

Weagamow
Charles Benson
PO Box 8
Weagamow Lake, ON
P0V 2Y0
Tel: (807) 632- 8673
Fax: (807) 469-1315
cbenson@nanlegal.on.ca

Fort Severn
Angus Miles
General Delivery
Fort Severn, ON
P0V 1W0
Tel: (807) 212-5948
amiles@nanlegal.on.ca

 


Eabametoong
Jean Rabbit-Waboose
139 Main Street, PO Box 298,
Fort Hope, ON, P0T 1L0
Tel: (807) 242-7221
Cell: (807) 631-5542
jrabbitwaboose@nanlegal.on.ca

Fort Albany/Kashechewan
David Sutherland
7-7 Airport Road
Fort Albany, ON
P0L 1H0
Tel: (705) 278-5049
dsutherland@nanlegal.on.ca

 


Kasabonika Lake
Keith McKay
Kasabonika Lake First Nation
Tel: (807) 535-9252
Cell: (807) 738- 5805
Fax: (807) 535-9211
kmckay@nanlegal.on.ca

Pikangikum
Brianna Owen
Pikangikum ON, P0V 2L0
Cell: (807) 773- 3881
bowen@nanlegal.on.ca