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 Vaughan, Ontario.
Damage to or interference with property — graffiti, vandalism, obstruction. Available defences turn on intent, ownership, and proportionality.
- Courthouse
- Newmarket Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
- Court Phone
- (905) 853-4801
- 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 Vaughan
Vaughan has no courthouse of its own. York Region criminal matters are heard at the Newmarket courthouse on Eagle Street, and provincial offences at the York Region POA court on Yonge Street in Newmarket.
Criminal Court
Newmarket Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
50 Eagle Street West, Newmarket, ON L3Y 6B1
(905) 853-4801
All York Region criminal matters, including Vaughan. There is no criminal court in Vaughan.
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