In Canada, the criminal offence of “mischief” refers to interference with another person’s property. Mischief charges are most often the result of minor property damage such as vandalism, however there are other types of mischief as well.

Someone may be charged with mischief where they have caused damage to another person’s property. The offence is more serious if the value of the property is greater than $5000, or if the property is a testamentary instrument such as a will. This includes intentional damage and damage where the accused acted recklessly such as accidental damage while intoxicated, for example.

Someone can also be charged with mischief if they simply interfere with the use of someone’s property, for example by obstructing access to a doorway or interfering with the functionality of a vehicle. Mischief can be in relation to electronic data, for example deleting text messages off someone’s phone or corrupting files on a computer.

Mischief that causes danger to life is the most serious, for example interfering with the brake function on someone’s vehicle. If there is an actual death, the accused may also be charged with murder.

If you have been charged with mischief or any other criminal offence, contact our office at (905) 541-2228 or fill out a free consultation form. Our talented team of lawyers has experience dealing with all types of charges from mischief under $5000 to homicide. We will help you craft the best defence for your case.