diff --git a/code/modules/mob/mob.dm b/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
index 253e4ee43dc..bd1258cd942 100644
--- a/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
+++ b/code/modules/mob/mob.dm
@@ -714,7 +714,7 @@ note dizziness decrements automatically in the mob's Life() proc.
 				stat(null,"MasterController-ERROR")
 
 
-	if(spell_list.len)
+	if(spell_list && spell_list.len)
 		for(var/obj/effect/proc_holder/spell/S in spell_list)
 			switch(S.charge_type)
 				if("recharge")