The charging procedure: arrest, fingerprinting / mug shot, and compelling the accused to attend court All of these people get charged with mischief related offences. This can range from taking photos of people without consent (also sometimes leading to voyeurism charges), to running onto the field at a baseball game. The police interpret the word “interferes” in clause 430 (1)(c) to charge people with mischief as a result of what they perceive to be as improper behaviour in public or private places. Also cases of tagging/graffiti, school and workplace pranks (smoke bombs, toilet papering, etc.) are common for first time offenders. The most common for first timers are damage to property they do not own as a result of road rage, parking lot disputes, disputes with neighbours, family members, landlords, romantic partners (or their exes), showing off (often under the influence of alcohol), and revenge for perceived wrongdoing. This definition of mischief (for both over and under $5000) encompass such a wide range of illegal activities that it is impossible to list them all. (d) obstructs, interrupts or interferes with any person in the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property.(c) obstructs, interrupts or interferes with the lawful use, enjoyment or operation of property.(b) renders property dangerous, useless, inoperative or ineffective.

The definition of mischief is found in Section 430 (1) of the Criminal Code which reads:Ĥ30 (1) Every one commits mischief who wilfully Unfortunately, the definition of mischief in Canada is extremely unspecific and the Police use very little discretion when charging people in the Greater Toronto Area. Now they are facing jail, a criminal record, immigration problems, and being denied the ability to travel to the U.S. A lot of these individuals never really saw their actions as being “criminal” at the time they committed the offence. For first time offenders, it is often a shocking experience because they immediately feel the incredible risk to their lives and future the criminal justice system has put them in. Many people being charged with mischief have never been accused of or charged criminally with anything before in their lives. First Offence Criminal Mischief Charges in Toronto, Ontario What happens when someone is charged with mischief (over or under $5000) for the first time, what information is taken and shared, and how to get the charges withdrawn (dropped)Īnd avoid travel, career, and immigration problems associated with the charge.

What is the meaning of mischief