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 Windsor, Ontario.
Damage to or interference with property — graffiti, vandalism, obstruction. Available defences turn on intent, ownership, and proportionality.
- Courthouse
- Windsor Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
- Court Phone
- (519) 973-6600
- 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 Windsor
Windsor and Essex County criminal matters are heard at the Windsor Courthouse on Chatham Street East. Provincial offences are heard at the Windsor/Essex Provincial Offences Court at 400 City Hall Square East.
Criminal Court
Windsor Courthouse (Ontario Court of Justice)
200 Chatham Street East, Windsor, ON N9A 2W3
(519) 973-6600
Windsor and Essex County criminal matters. The Windsor Avenue courthouse handles Superior Court civil matters, not criminal.
Charged with mischief?
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