i.
What the charge means
Mischief under s.430 covers wilful destruction, damage, rendering useless, or obstruction of the lawful use of property. Mischief under $5,000 is the most common variant.
Criminal Code s.430
Mischief charges in Cambridge, Ontario.
Damage to or interference with property — graffiti, vandalism, obstruction. Available defences turn on intent, ownership, and proportionality.
- Courthouse
- Kitchener Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
- Court Phone
- (519) 741-3200
- Consultation
- Free & Confidential
ii.
Penalties
Summary mischief under $5,000: up to 2 years less a day. Indictable forms carry significantly higher penalties depending on the value and target of the property.
iii.
Available defences
- Colour of right
- Accidental damage (no intent)
- Consent of the owner
- Charter — search and seizure
iv.
The process
Disclosure review, restitution discussions, Crown resolution, peace bond, or trial.
v.
Notes for Cambridge
Cambridge has no courthouse. Waterloo Region criminal matters are heard at the Kitchener courthouse on Frederick Street, and provincial offences at the Waterloo Region POA court on Queen Street North in Kitchener.
Criminal Court
Kitchener Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
85 Frederick Street, Kitchener, ON N2H 0A7
(519) 741-3200
All Waterloo Region criminal matters — Cambridge, Kitchener, Waterloo and the townships. There is no criminal court in Cambridge.
Charged with mischief?
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