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 London, Ontario.
Damage to or interference with property — graffiti, vandalism, obstruction. Available defences turn on intent, ownership, and proportionality.
- Courthouse
- London Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
- Court Phone
- (519) 660-3000
- 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 London
London serves Middlesex County and the 401 corridor between Toronto and Windsor. We accept files Ontario-wide and travel to London regularly.
London Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
80 Dundas Street, London, ON N6A 6A3
(519) 660-3000
Charged with mischief?
Defence starts with a conversation.
Twenty minutes, confidential, no obligation. We’ll discuss your charge, the realistic outcomes, and the cost of defence before you commit to anything.