Local Justice: Decisions in Municipal Court

In State v. Sandraliz Hernandez-Perez, of Berkeley Heights, the State charged defendant with shoplifting from Kings Supermarket goods with a value of $86.51: 2 cans of oyster stew, 1 jar of Chucky salsa, 1 jar of Con Queso salsa, 1 jar of onion powder, 1 gad of halls cough drops, 1 box of Breathe Right nasal strips, 1 Vicks vapoinhaler, 1 box Alka Seltzer plus gels, 1 box of Robitussin cough & chest medicine and Robitussin multi symptom cold medicine.  Defendant pleaded guilty.  The Court sentenced defendant to 10 days of community service and imposed a $306 fine, $125 in surcharges, and $30 in court costs.

In State v. Evelyn S. Pinales, of Berkeley Heights, the State charged defendant with shoplifting from Kings Supermarket goods with a value of $24.92:  2 cans of crabmeat, 1 can of shrimp, 1 can of clams, 1 carton of seafood stock, and 3 packs of plastic plates.  Defendant pleaded guilty.  The Court sentenced defendant to 10 days of community service and imposed a $250 fine, $125 in surcharges, and $30 in court costs.

In State v. Jihad A. Muhammad, of Newark, the State charged defendant with hindering apprehension by providing false information to a police officer.  The defendant pleaded guilty to an amended charge of violating a local ordinance by interfering with a police officer.  The Court imposed a $500 fine and $30 in costs.

In State v. Christopher W. Houck, of Merztown, Pennsylvania, the State charged defendant with possession of marijuana.  The charge resulted in a conditional discharge.  The Court imposed a one-year term of probation, and a total of $800 in surcharges.

The Berkeley Heights and New Providence Shared Municipal Court convenes every other Thursday in the New Providence Municipal Center, located at 360 Elkwood Ave. The next court date is February 23, 2012.