Local Justice: Decisions in Municipal Court

Editor's note: This report of Local Justice combines this week's and last week's cases.

In State v. Nicole Hines, of Irvington, the State charged Hines with shoplifting watches, valued at $1,180, from Nordstrom's. Hines pleaded guilty to the charge. The Court ordered restitution of $1,180, and imposed a fine of $1,000, as well as $33 in court costs, a $50 VCCO (Victims of Crime Compensation Office) penalty and a $75 safe neighborhood fee.

In State v. Tamara Miller and in State v. Mira Miller, a mother and daughter from Brooklyn, the State charged each with shoplifting clothing valued at $947.98, from Saks on August 20.  Both pleaded guilty to the charge. The Court imposed on each a fine of $750, as well as $33 in court costs, a $50 VCCO (Victims of Crime Compensation Office) penalty and a $75 safe neighborhood fee. The Court also ordered each not to return to Saks for two years. If either violates that order, she could face criminal trespass charges.

In State v. Junia Galarza, of Newark, the State charged her with stealing headphones from the Apple Store. After a trial, in which she was represented by the Public Defender, the defendant was found guilty. The Court sentenced her to 10 days of community service and imposed a fine of $1,000, with $33 in court costs, a $50 VCCO penalty and a $75 safe neighborhood fee. (The Public Defender waived his fee.) The Court also ordered her not to return to the Apple Store for two years. If she violates that order, she would be subject to a criminal trespass charge.