Local Justice: Decisions in Municipal Court

In State v. Joanicia Brun and in State v. Danie Brun, two sisters from West Orange, the state charged defendants with shoplifting clothing valued at $231 from Lord & Taylor. The Essex County Prosecutor's Office downgraded the charge to a state disorderly person's offense. Both defendants pleaded guilty to the amended charge. The court imposed on each a $300 fine, $33 in court costs, a $50 Violent Crimes Compensation Organization (VCCO) penalty, and a $75 safe neighborhood fee.

In State v. Kathleen Jones, of Newark, the state charged defendant with: (1) shoplifting clothing valued at $74 from American Eagle; (2) receiving stolen property (clothing valued at $184) from Claire's; and (3) providing false information (name and date of birth) to a police officer.  Defendant pleaded guilty to the charge of providing false information. The court sentenced her to 30 days in jail, for which she received full cerdit for the 30 days already spent in jail. The court also imposed a $300 fine (which was suspended), $33 in court costs, a $50 VCCO penalty, and a $75 safe neighborhood fee.