The legal professionals at Sarah Leamon Law Group regularly represent clients who have been charged with mischief. This type of offence can encompass all sorts of behaviour, including but not limited to accusations of interfering with someones property, destroying public property or engaging in generally disruptive public behaviour.
Generally speaking, mischief is largely considered to be a property crime in Canada. A person could be accused of committing this offence if they intentionally destroy or damage property, do something to render property dangerous, useless, inoperative or ineffective or interfere with another person’s use, enjoyment or operation of their property. Mischief can cover a wide arrange of offences, from breaking a shop window to spray painting a wall and beyond.
Although the actions that often lead to mischief charges may seem minor, the impact of being charged with the criminal offence of mischief is serious and carries wide ranging consequences. The legal professionals at Sarah Leamon Law Group take these types of allegations seriously. They will work to preserve and protect your rights.
As it is in most criminal cases, in order to succeed in prosecuting a mischief charge, the Crown must prove that the accused person wilfully intended to commit the act that they have been accused of. They must do this beyond a reasonable doubt.
There is no mandatory minimum punishment for mischief. This means that the court can consider a wide variety of possible sentences when dealing with a person convicted of mischief. In some circumstances, there may be no criminal record, even when a conviction is registered. In others, where more serious consequences or threats to life are involved, the penalties may be significant. Jail time can be ordered.
If you have been charged with mischief, you should speak to one of the experienced criminal defence lawyers at Sarah Leamon Law Group as soon as possible. Our team is available to answer your questions and to provide you with legal advice 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call us now.