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 Oshawa, Ontario.
Damage to or interference with property — graffiti, vandalism, obstruction. Available defences turn on intent, ownership, and proportionality.
- Courthouse
- Durham Region Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
- Court Phone
- (905) 743-2600
- 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 Oshawa
Durham Region summary criminal matters (Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa) are heard at the Durham courthouse on Bond Street in Oshawa. HTA tickets and POA matters from Durham Regional Police and OPP East are routed to the Rossland Road POA office in Whitby.
Durham Region Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
150 Bond Street East, Oshawa, ON L1G 0A2
(905) 743-2600
Charged with mischief?
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