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 Ottawa, Ontario.
Damage to or interference with property — graffiti, vandalism, obstruction. Available defences turn on intent, ownership, and proportionality.
- Courthouse
- Ottawa Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
- Court Phone
- (613) 239-1255
- 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 Ottawa
Ottawa hears matters from Ottawa Police, OPP, and RCMP traffic across the National Capital Region. We make regular trips and accept retainers Ontario-wide.
Ottawa Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
161 Elgin Street, Ottawa, ON K2P 2K1
(613) 239-1255
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.