Criminal Mischief Charges Lawyer in Barmpton, ON | Criminal Lawyer Brampton

If you have been charged with Criminal mischief, contact our Brampton criminal lawyer as soon as possible to discuss this serious charge.

Criminal mischief has undoubtedly existed since individuals have had personal property. Such mischief occurs when someone destroys someone else’s property without their permission.

It’s good to get legal assistance on Mischief charges from a lawyer in Brampton, Ontario, or the surrounding area. Criminal mischief is also known as malicious, property damage, vandalism, and other terms.

While our criminal mischief services are centred in Brampton, we extend our representation to clients across the Greater Toronto Region, encompassing areas such as Oakville, Mississauga, Milton, and Burlington.

Mischief Charges lawyer

Definition Of Mischief

Mischief, as defined in Section 430(1) of the Criminal Code of Canada, encompasses various actions:

  1. Causing destruction or alteration to property.
  2. Making property dangerous, useless, inoperative, or ineffective.
  3. Obstructing, interrupting, or interfering with the lawful use, enjoyment, or operation of property.
  4. Impeding, interrupting, or interfering with any individual’s lawful use, enjoyment, or operation of the property.

Possession but Not damage

When someone damages someone else’s property, this is referred to as criminal mischief. The level of damage can be minor or considerable, but the main focus of the crime is the destruction of property. Criminal mischief does not entail stealing someone else’s property; rather, it entails smashing, defacing, or otherwise causing damage to someone else’s property without their authorization.

Intent to Act

It’s impossible to cause criminal mischief by accident. You must have intentionally damaged the property, not accidentally, according to the law. It is not criminal mischief, for example, if you are playing baseball and accidentally strike the ball through your neighbour’s window.

On the other hand, it’s illegal to throw balls at someone’s house and have one of them go through the window, inflicting damage. It makes no difference whether you meant to smash the window or do any type of physical harm. All that matters is that you planned to perform actions that could (or could have been expected to) cause property damage.

Types of Damage

Criminal mischief can range from spray-painting graffiti on a wall to interfering with a fire hose or emergency escape, as well as removing a survey or boundary signs. In certain places, criminal mischief includes setting off a smoke bomb or some device to cause public concern or interfering with someone’s computer use by infecting it with a virus or otherwise damaging computer parts.

Recklessness

You can commit criminal mischief if you act recklessly in specific situations. Reckless activities aren’t done by mistake; they’re done with full knowledge of the potential consequences. Using explosives, fire, or other potentially harmful things or methods without concern, for example, can support a criminal mischief allegation.

Penalties

Prison or Jail:

The seriousness of the mischief may vary the imprisonment time.

Fines:

Fines are a typical punishment. First-time offenders are usually ordered to pay a fine rather than spend time in jail or prison. Fines may range from a few hundred dollars to around $1,000.

However, fines of $5,000 to $10,000 are possible, especially in cases where considerable property damage or people have been put in danger.

Restitution:

Courts frequently include restitution as part of the sentence when a crime results in property damage. Restitution compensates the property owner for their loss. While you may be ordered to pay fines by a court, those fines are paid to the court. The property owner, on the other hand, receives restitution.

Why Hire Our Trusted Criminal Lawyer Brampton, ON for Mischief Offences?

At FMK Law Group, Brampton’s dedicated criminal law firm, we recognize the gravity of criminal charges, even those deemed minor. Such charges can significantly affect an individual’s career, livelihood, and prospects, especially those with no prior criminal record. Understanding these implications, our team of Brampton criminal lawyers is committed to securing the most favourable outcomes for our clients.

If you, a friend, or a family member are facing charges related to ‘Mischief’ or other charges like Public Mischief, Robbery, Break and enter, Threats, Forgery, Fraud, Shoplifting, Theft, or Proceeds of crime, we encourage you to contact our office at (647) 269-8414 to arrange a complimentary consultation with one of our experienced Brampton criminal lawyers.