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 Peterborough, Ontario.
Damage to or interference with property — graffiti, vandalism, obstruction. Available defences turn on intent, ownership, and proportionality.
- Courthouse
- Peterborough Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
- Court Phone
- (705) 876-3846
- 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 Peterborough
Peterborough criminal matters and Provincial Offences trials are both heard at the courthouse on Simcoe Street. The City's Provincial Offences office at City Hall handles filings and payments — it is not where trials are held.
Criminal Court
Peterborough Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
70 Simcoe Street, Peterborough, ON K9H 7G9
(705) 876-3846
Peterborough city and county criminal matters.
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.