One Hour in City Court

New York City Court briefs for Monday, March 22nd:

• A 26 year old female was accused of one count of 2nd degree assault and four counts of endangering the welfare of a child. The complaining witness, Jennifer Guzman, claimed the defendant entered her home the evening of March 21st during a birthday party held for Miguel Guzman, the defendant's ex boyfriend and the husband of the complaining witness. According to Assistant District Attorney Mason, the defendant arrived at the scene to give a birthday present to Mr. Guzman. She allegedly forced entry into the home and "smooshed" Mrs. Guzman's nine year old daughter Jannelle's face into the ground. The defendant then threw a glass at Mrs. Guzman who suffered a laceration to the face and swelling and bruising on her head, hand, and arm. Mrs. Guzman refused medical attention. ADA Mason sought five thousand dollars bail. However, the defense attorney argued that her client acted defensively, as she received stitches on her hand from a glass thrown by the complaining witness. Additionally, Miguel Guzman's niece and sister were present at the arraignment in support of the defendant. It was brought to the court's attention that Mr. Guzman's mother had an order of protection against her daughter-in-law. Judge Ellen Coin granted two orders of protection to Janelle and Jennifer Guzman against the defendant, who was released on her own recognizance.

• An 18-year-old defendant was accused of underage drinking, open container, and resisting arrest on 120th Street and Madison Avenue. According to ADA Mason, when confronted by police, the defendant shouted, "fuck you, fuck you cops." A hearing was scheduled for May 3rd, and the defendant was released on his own recognizance.
  

• A 30-year-old defendant was accused of driving while intoxicated. ADA Mason sought a $750 fine, 30 days in jail, and a license suspension for 6 months. Police arrived at an accident at Montgomery Street & Madison Avenue and found the defendant, who smelled strongly of alcohol. He refused a field sobriety test, and said, "so what, I smoked some marijuana tonight. So what. I have a fucking lawyer, I'm gonna sue you." He then tried to hug one of the arresting officers, then passed out in the back of the police car. The defense attorney asked that he be released due to the fact that the defendant works full time at two jobs, has a wife and child, and cares for his elderly mother. Bail was set at $500 and a trial was scheduled for May 7th.

• An 18-year-old defendant was accused of felony robbery and assault. According to ADA Mason, the defendant and three other men got into a taxi to go to Lulo's, a restaurant on St. Nicholas Avenue. The men then allegedly started banging on the glass causing the cabbie to exit the vehicle, leaving behind his jacket. The defendant also exited the vehicle and began hitting the complaining witness in the head. The cabbie fled the scene and when he returned his jacket and $100 cash were missing. The cab driver went to the restaurant the men had requested transportation to, saw them, and called the police. The defense attorney claimed to not understand why the defendant, a known marijuana dealer, would steal $100. At the time of arrest, the defendant had $1,000 cash in his possession. Bail was set at $10,000.
  

• A 40-year-old defendant was accused of the criminal possession of a controlled substance in the seventh degree. ADA Mason asked that the defendant's bail be $2,000, citing his extensive criminal history. This was the defendant's tenth arrest since 2009. The defense attorney argued that police had no probable cause to stop and search his client. Judge Coin denied the attorney's request that the defendant be released at his own recognizance, saying, "your client has a fifty page wrap sheet." Bail was set at $2,000. When his arraignment came to a close, the defendant was escorted to the detention center and he shouted unintelligibly in protest.

• Four separate cases with five defendants between them were presented on charges of counterfeiting. In the first, the defendant entered a guilty plea and requested a non-incarceratory sentence due to a serious neck injury (a large scar on the back of his neck was visible from the observation area). Bail was set at $750 due to prior felony convictions. In the three following cases, each defendant pled guilty to a reduced charge of violation disorderly conduct, and were given a $100 fine.