Release order, undertaking, appearance notice — what does the paper you were handed mean?
Last reviewed 22 Sep 2026 · Updated 28 Sep 2026
A release order, an undertaking or an appearance notice is the paper that tells the person two things: when they must be in court, and which conditions they must follow until then. The three papers come from different stages of release, but every one carries a court date, and most carry conditions with the words “not communicate” or “not attend.”
What are the three kinds of release paper?
- Appearance notice. Given by police when there's no arrest or an immediate release. A court date, usually no conditions.
- Undertaking. Given by police on release from the station. A court date plus conditions.
- Release order. Made by the court after a bail hearing. Court date, conditions, and any surety or pledge.
What should you look for on the paper?
The court date and courthouse. Any condition with the words "not communicate" or "not attend." Any address named. Any amount pledged.
Why does the office ask for a photo of it?
The exact wording of the conditions, the court date and the charging section are all on that page. A photo saves the callback for the real questions.
What do we see with release papers?
The release paper is the most important document for the next few weeks, and the one most often lost, folded or misread. When you call, the first request is to read it aloud, line by line — court date, conditions, fingerprint date. The file opens while you talk; a photo of the paper attaches by text.
What do people ask about release papers?
What are the three release papers?
Appearance notice. Given by police when there's no arrest or an immediate release. A court date, usually no conditions.
Undertaking. Given by police on release from the station. A court date plus conditions.
Release order. Made by the court after a bail hearing. Court date, conditions, and any surety or pledge.
What should I look for on the paper?
The court date and courthouse. Any condition with the words "not communicate" or "not attend." Any address named. Any amount pledged.
Why does the office need a photo of the paper?
The exact wording of the conditions, the court date and the charging section are all on that page. A photo saves the callback for the real questions.
Do I have to talk to the police?
No — a person does not have to answer police questions, whether that's in person, at a station, or over the phone. You can confirm identifying information if asked, but you're not required to explain, discuss the events, or answer follow-up questions.
What does a surety do?
A surety is an adult who tells the court they will supervise a person released on bail and who pledges an amount of money as a promise that the rules will be followed. Two things are involved: making sure the person sticks to every condition of release, and risking loss of the pledged amount if they don't.
Charged in Ontario or Alberta? Seven questions, about four minutes. Just asking?
Use the box above — free 24/7 criminal law information · not legal advice · not a law firm.
Open a file — a criminal defence lawyer's office gets on itSources
- Justice Laws Website, accessed 2026-09-25
- Ontario Court of Justice, accessed 2026-09-25
- Steps to Justice (CLEO), accessed 2026-09-25
Remandly is not a law firm and this page is information, not legal advice. Payment arrangements available. Private retainer only. Legal Aid Ontario: 1-800-668-8258.