It isn’t uncommon to hear
about people who make false accusations, file false cases, or lie to the police
during investigations. People do this as a defence mechanism, as a way to
divert attention, protect someone they care about, or even because they think
they’re doing the right thing. However, just because a lot of people does
something does not make it right. Public mischief is still public mischief, and
guilty parties can face huge fines and jail time.
Like any criminal charge,
a charge of public mischief should be dealt with swiftly and strategically. You
need an experienced criminal defence attorney on your side to handle your. Know
that your best defence starts with prompt action and faithfully cooperating
with your defence lawyer.
Definition of Public Mischief in Canada
The Criminal Code of
Canada says in Section 140 that public mischief is an act to mislead or deceive
a peace officer. It can be any of the following:
- Committing any action to cause another person to be suspected of committing an offence, including diverting suspicion from one’s self.
- Making false statements to accuse someone of committing an offence.
- Making a false report of an offence that was not committed such as claiming someone committed domestic violence or sexual assault.
- Reporting a false death or claiming someone who is dead is alive.
- Staging a crime scene including faking a death or kidnapping.
Note that a charge of
public mischief is often made with other charges depending on which of the
above acts the accused committed
Punishment for a Public Mischief Charge
There are many reasons why
people give false or inaccurate information. Some may believe that what they
are doing is the right thing or that they could have been fed wrong
information. It could be a difference in perception or can be a way to get back
to another person as a form of revenge. No matter the reason, a charge of
public mischief can have very serious consequences as well as huge fines.
Charged with public
mischief? You need to act fast! Talk to Calvin Barry as soon as possible to discuss your options and build
your defence for your public mischief
charge. Contact Calvin Barry Law today!
