Mischief Charges: Criminal Records

If my mischief charge is dropped or withdrawn is my police record completely clean?

Despite what many people may erroneously lead you to believe, in reality you will never have a completely clean police record again after you are charged with mischief. Even if your mischief charge is withdrawn/dropped or you are acquitted at trial law enforcement agencies (police, customs, etc.) can still see that you were charged and use it against you in a discretionary capacity.

The police department that arrested you (Toronto, York, Peel, Halton, Durham, etc.) will keep a record of your arrest and charge indefinitely in their computer system databases. This record will not be removed even if you are acquitted or the charge is withdrawn. Requesting and having your fingerprints and photograph destroyed at a later date will also not erase this record. The police and other law enforcement agencies will always know that you were charged previously.

Not only is the police record accessible to all law enforcement in Canada and the U.S., it can also show up on certain forms of background checks. In some cases, it is possible to have these records repressed upon request. A lawyer can be of assistance in helping you understand how to repress these records and minimize the damage they can cause to your career, travel, and future options.

Mischief Charges and Fingerprint Destruction

In some cases, it may be possible to have the fingerprints removed if your charge is withdrawn or you are acquitted. In Toronto, you must wait five months to request that you fingerprints be destroyed. It normally then takes 12 to 18 months for this process to complete. As indicated above, fingerprint destruction does not remove the record of you being previously charged. There are steps that can be taken to help reduce the likelihood of employment, immigration, and U.S. travel problems as a result of this.

Call us today.
You don't have to jeopardize your future or waste thousands of dollars on excessive legal fees. We provide effective and affordable lawyer representation for those charged with mischief under $5000 in the Toronto area.

Have a skilled criminal lawyer who focuses on mischief charges protect you and your future from the stigma and consequences of a criminal record and conviction.





Are you a lawyer? If you are defending a mischief under or over $5000 related case and are looking for expert advice regarding possible defences, case strategies, and information release management call us at: 647-228-5969.

Please note: We do not accept legal aid certificate cases. All clients are handled on a private retainer only.

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