APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

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State of Tennessee v. Jessie Nelson Hodges

W2000-00742-CCA-R3-CD

After a jury trial, Defendant was convicted of theft of property less than $500. He was subsequently sentenced to eleven (11) months and twenty-nine (29) days in the Lauderdale County jail. In this pro se appeal, Defendant argues that the State failed to provide him with discoverable material or information under Rule 16 of Tenn. R. Crim. P. After a review of the record, briefs of the parties and applicable law, we conclude that the State complied with the mandates of Rule 16. Thus, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge L. Terry Lafferty
Originating Judge:Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood
Lauderdale County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/27/01
State of Tennessee v. Joshua Lee Williams and Maurice Miguel Teague

W2000-01435-CCA-R3-CD

The defendants, Joshua Lee Williams and Maurice Miguel Teague, encountered each other on the street where Teague produced a pistol and attempted to shoot Williams. When the gun did not fire, Williams knocked it from Teague's hands, picked it up, and fired in turn at Teague, in the process fatally wounding a neighborhood resident. Williams was indicted for first degree murder for the shooting death of the deceased, and criminal attempt to commit first degree murder of Teague, who was indicted for criminal attempt to commit first degree murder of Williams. At the conclusion of their joint trial, Williams was found guilty of second degree murder and criminal attempt to commit second degree murder, and Teague guilty of criminal attempt to commit second degree murder. Williams received an effective sentence of twenty years at 100% as a violent offender. Teague was sentenced as a standard, Range I offender to ten years. Teague raises essentially three issues on appeal: (1) sufficiency of the evidence; (2) not instructing the jury on aggravated assault as a lesser-included offense; and (3) the propriety of his sentence. Williams challenges the sufficiency of the evidence in support of his conviction for second degree murder. After a careful review of the record, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Julian P. Guinn
Henry County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/27/01
State of Tennessee v. Marty Scott Slatten

M2000-01155-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant was convicted by a jury of theft of a vehicle worth more than $10,000, a Class C felony, for which he received a fifteen-year sentence as a career offender. He contends that the evidence is insufficient to convict him of theft and that the trial court erred in allowing evidence of his attempt to steal gasoline that led to his arrest. We affirm the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge Lillie Ann Sells
White County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/27/01
Bobby Gates v. Jackson Appliance Company

W1999-00743-SC-WCM-CV
The defendant, Jackson Appliance Company, appeals the judgment of the Chancery Court of Madison County awarding plaintiff, Bobby Gates, twenty-five (25) percent permanent partial disability to the body as a whole. For the reasons stated in this opinion, We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: W. Michael William Michael Maloan, Special Judge
Originating Judge:Hon. Joe C. Morris, Chancellor
Madison County Workers Compensation Panel 06/27/01
Dr. Nord's Mouth As Was Successfully Done Bycounsel In Kerr v. Magic Chef, 793 S.W.2D 927, 928-

W1999-00743-SC-WCM-CV
The defendant, Jackson Appliance Company, appeals the judgment of the Chancery Court of Madison County awarding plaintiff, Bobby Gates, twenty-five (25) percent permanent partial disability to the body as a whole. For the reasons stated in this opinion, We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Henry D. Bell, Special Judge
Originating Judge:Hon. Joe C. Morris, Chancellor
Madison County Workers Compensation Panel 06/27/01
State of Tennessee v. Orlando Crayton

W2000-00213-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Orlando Crayton, was convicted of aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, unlawful carrying or possession of a weapon, and two counts of vandalism under $500.00. The trial court sentenced the defendant to 11 months, 29 days for each vandalism count, six years for aggravated assault, two years for reckless endangerment and 11 months, 29 days for unlawful possession of a weapon. Because the sentences were ordered to be served concurrently, the effective sentence is six years. In this appeal of right, the defendant challenges (1) the admissibility of evidence indicating the defendant's gang affiliation; (2) the admission of an estimate regarding the damage to a vehicle; and (3) the admission of a hearsay statement. The judgment is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Donald H. Allen
Gibson County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/27/01
State of Tennessee v. Jennifer Gale McClure

W2000-01822-CCA-R3-CD

This is an appeal by permission pursuant to Rule 9 of the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure. The Defendant, Jennifer McClure, was indicted by the Haywood County Grand Jury for various charges arising out of the seizure and subsequent search of the commercial motor carrier in which she and her husband were traveling. The trial court suppressed the evidence obtained as a result of that seizure and search, ruling that the seizure of the motor carrier was unconstitutional. The State then filed a motion for an interlocutory appeal, which was granted by the trial court. This Court likewise granted the State's application for permission to appeal. On appeal, the State asserts: (1) that the trial court abused its discretion by refusing the State's request to either reopen the proof or be allowed to file with the court the rules and regulations governing Department of Safety inspections; and (2) that if these rules and regulations are considered, the trial court erred by granting the Defendant's motion to suppress. We conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion by refusing the State's request to reopen the proof or to file the applicable rules and regulations because the trial court did permit the State to file with the court the rules and regulations regarding Department of Safety inspections. In addition, we hold that the trial court did not err by granting the motion to suppress because the seizure of the Defendant's commercial motor carrier was conducted in violation of the Fourth Amendment's protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Judge Donald H. Allen
Haywood County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/27/01
John Sands v. Murray Outdoor Products, Inc.

W2000-00468-SC-WCM-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Worker's Compensation Panel of the Supreme Court inaccordance with Tennessee Code Annotated _ 5-6-225(e) for a hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The plaintiff has appealed contending that the trial court erred in granting the defendant a motion to dismiss his complaint pursuant to Rule 41, Tennessee Rules of Civil Procedure, for a work-related injury occurring on October 6, 1998. After a review of the entire record, briefs of the parties and applicable law, judgment of the trial court is reversed and remanded. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (1999) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court is Reversed and Remanded. L. TERRY LAFFERTY, SR. J., in which JANICE M. HOLDER, J., and JOE C. LOSER, JR., SP. J., joined. Ricky L. Boren, Jackson, Tennessee, for the appellant, John Sands. J. Arthur Crews, II and Michael A. Carter, for the appellee, Murray Outdoor Products, Inc. MEMORANDUM OPINION The plaintiff, age forty (4), testified that on April 29, 1997, while pulling a load of engines, he twisted his back and it popped. The plaintiff reported his injury and he was treated by Dr. John Holancin, but Workers' Compensation sent the plaintiff to see Dr. David Johnson who ran an MRI. The plaintiff lost no work and was on light duty for six (6) weeks. Between his return to work and October 1998, the plaintiff's back would lock up and his legs would tingle from prolonged standing about three to four times a month. The plaintiff stated that on October 6, 1998, he was picking up a unit off the floor to set it on the line, when his back went out and he hit the floor in pain. The plaintiff saw Dr. Holancin, who ordered a CT scan. At the request of the defendant, the plaintiff was referred to Dr. John Brophy. The plaintiff stated that he was restricted in his ability to do any lifting or bending while on light duty. The plaintiff testified that he saw Dr. Robert Barnett and that Dr. Barnett's nurse took down his history. When asked if he told the nurse about the October 1998 injury, the plaintiff stated, "I believe I did." In several parts of his testimony, the plaintiff is sure that he told the nurse about his October injury and cannot explain why such event is not recorded in her intake notes. The plaintiff admitted that while talking to Dr. Barnett he did not tell Dr. Barnett about the October injury. In his deposition, Dr. John D. Brophy, a neurosurgeon, testified that he first saw the plaintiff on January 6, 1999. Dr. Brophy obtained the plaintiff's historyin which the plaintiff injured his back in April 1997, while pulling a load of engines at work. An MRI was within normal limits. After conservative treatment, the plaintiff described approximately a twenty percent (2%) improvement from his injury. In October 1998, the plaintiff re-injured his back from lifting a lawn mower. Dr. Brophy reviewed the films of a CAT scan which revealed a bulging disc at L-5 S- 1. Dr. Brophy would not call this bulge a "ruptured disc." It was Dr. Brophy's opinion that the clinical exam of the plaintiff was a myofascial pain syndrome, with no evidence of radiculopathy. Dr. Brophy permitted the plaintiff to return to work full time without any restrictions on January 18, 1999. Dr. Brophy recommended to the plaintiff that he commence a physical exercise program, which consisted of walking and other activities. Dr. Brophy saw the plaintiff on March 17, 1999, with a complaint of no improvement in his pain syndrome. Dr. Brophy recommended that he continue his walking exercises. An evaluation of AP and lateral spine thoracic films demonstrated multi-level spondylosis. On October 6, 1999, the plaintiff returned with a complaint of continuing pain to his back and leg. Dr. Brophy's physical overall exam found the plaintiff's strength, gait, sensory, and symmetric reflexes normal. As of October 6, 1999, Dr. Brophy opined that the plaintiff had a zero permanent partial impairment rating, with no permanent restrictions. When asked about the differences in the MRI of 1997 and the CAT scan of 1998, the question was: Q. Doctor, certainly a lifting incident is capable of causing a bulging disc, is that correct? A. Yes. Q. And - - A. - - And the most common hist ory I get is I just woke up with it, Doctor, I don't understand. Q. But that's not the history you got in this case? A. No. -2-
Authoring Judge: L. Terry Lafferty, Senior Judge
Originating Judge:Julian P. Guinn, Judge
Carroll County Workers Compensation Panel 06/27/01
John T. Bell, et al vs. Richard Gene Nolan, et al

M2000-02684-COA-R3-CV
The parents of a woman who died after being assaulted by her husband on the premises of an American Legion post filed a wrongful death claim, which named the husband and the American Legion post as defendants. The parents alleged that the Legion's employees had failed to render assistance to the injured woman. The trial court dismissed the complaint against the American Legion, reasoning that the surviving spouse is the only party entitled to maintain an action for the wrongful death of the other spouse. We reverse.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:John W. Rollins
Coffee County Court of Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Michael P. Healy

W1999-01510-CCA-R3-CD

On November 24, 1998, the Shelby County Grand Jury indicted the Defendant for one count of aggravated robbery and one count of aggravated assault. Following a subsequent jury trial, the Defendant was convicted on both counts. On September 30, 1998, after a sentencing hearing, the trial court sentenced the Defendant as a career offender to serve thirty years incarceration for the aggravated robbery consecutively to fifteen years for the aggravated assault. The court also ordered both sentences served consecutively to a sentence for which the Defendant was on parole. On appeal, the Defendant claims that the trial court should have instructed the jury to consider robbery and theft as lesser-included offenses of aggravated robbery and that the trial court should have instructed the jury to consider reckless endangerment, reckless aggravated assault and simple assault as lesser-included offenses of aggravated assault. After a review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.as lesser-included offenses of aggravated assault. After a review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court., we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph B. Dailey
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Marcia C. Robinson and Sammy Claude Wilson

W2000-02085-CCA-R3-CD

After a jury trial, Defendants were convicted of one count of attempt to manufacture methamphetamine and two counts of possession of methamphetamine. The trial court sentenced each Defendant to three (3) years in the Department of Correction for attempt to manufacture methamphetamine and eleven (11) months and twenty-nine (29) days for possession of methamphetamine. In this appeal as of right, Defendants assert that the trial court erred as to whether Defendant, Sammy Wilson, gave Investigator Markin consent to search his truck. From our review of the transcript of the motion to suppress, the trial record, briefs of the parties and applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge L. Terry Lafferty
Originating Judge:Judge Roy B. Morgan, Jr.
Madison County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
Volunteer Investments, Inc. vs. Feller Brown Realty & Auction Co., et al

M2000-02644-COA-R3-CV
A developer who purchased three real estate tracts at auction filed suit to rescind the purchase on the grounds of misrepresentation or mutual mistake. The trial court dismissed his complaint. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Irvin H. Kilcrease, Jr.
Davidson County Court of Appeals 06/26/01
Donald Ferrell v. York Trucking, Inc.,

M2000-01350-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to theSpecial Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated _ 5-6- 225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The trial court found the plaintiff had suffered an assault during the course and scope of his employment, which resulted in a permanent disability of 4 percent to the body as a whole as a result of a psychiatric injury. The trial judge also awarded the plaintiff temporary total disability, future medical benefits and other costs. We affirm the judgment of the trial court. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (1999) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court is Affirmed JOHN K. BYERS, Sr. J., in which FRANK F. DROWOTA, III, J. and JOSEPH C. LOSER, JR., SP. J., joined. Robert J. Uhorchuk, Chattanooga, Tennessee, for the appellants, York Trucking, Inc. et al. H. Thomas Parsons, Manchester, Tennessee, for the appellee, Donald Ferrell. MEMORANDUM OPINION Review of the findings of fact made by the trial court is de novo upon the record of the trial court, accompanied by a presumption of the correctness of the findings, unless the preponderance of the evidence is otherwise. TENN. CODE ANN. _ 5-6-225(e)(2); Stone v. City of McMinnville, 896 S.W.2d 548, 55 (Tenn. 1995). The application of this standard requires this Court to weigh in more depth the factual findings and conclusions of the trial courts in workers' compensation cases. See Corcoran v. Foster Auto GMC, Inc., 746 S.W.2d 452, 456 (Tenn. 1988). Plaintiff's Biography The plaintiff was age fifty at the time of the trial. He had not completed the eighth grade in school. His work history consisted almost entirely of being a truck driver and tow-motor operator. He is married and does not have any children. History of Previous Injuries The plaintiff had a workers' compensation claim in 1982 and another in 1991. Each of these was settled. The 1991 injury occurred when the plaintiff fell from a truck of a previous employer. The plaintiff injured his neck, shoulder and lower back in that accident. Approximately nine months after the 1991 incident, the plaintiff developed a condition known as syncope, which is a fainting episode that results from coughing that causes restricted blood flow to a person's heart. In addition to the syncope, the plaintiff developed blurred vision, dizziness, headaches and depression. The episodes of fainting diminished somewhat prior to the injury in this case. The plaintiff testified the other symptoms he suffered never stopped bothering him. Discussion of Current Case This case arose out of an occurrence on July 15, 1997. The plaintiff and his wife, who drove with him because of his history of fainting, were in the course of their employment with the defendant employer. They stopped at a restaurant in Murfreesboro at approximately 3: a.m. The plaintiff and his wife went into the restaurant and got food to go. When they returned to the truck, the plaintiff's wife got into the truck and took the passenger's seat. The plaintiff testified he heard a noise at the back of the truck and went in that direction to investigate. The plaintiff said he heard something and turned and saw a man in a blue shirt. Then said the plaintiff, "my lights went out in Georgia." The plaintiff's wife did not see or hear anything occurring, but she became concerned when the plaintiff did not come into the truck. She testified she looked out toward the back of the truck and saw the plaintiff lying on the ground about half way down the length of the truck. She went to the plaintiff and held him in her lap. She got the attention of another truck driver who summoned aid from the restaurant. This driver left the area without being identified. An employee of the restaurant came out to help with the plaintiff and verified that the plaintiff was lying on the ground in an unconscious state. The only difference between the witness' testimony and that of the plaintiff's wife was that the restaurant employee said the plaintiffwas lying much nearer the driver door than did the wife. -2-
Authoring Judge: John K. Byers, Sr. J.
Originating Judge:Jeffery Stewart, Chancellor
Franklin County Workers Compensation Panel 06/26/01
Karrie Gentry vs. Bryan Gentry

E2000-02714-COA-R3-CV
This is a divorce case. Karrie Beth Gentry ("Mother") was awarded primary residential custody of the parties' two minor children, and Bryan Keith Gentry ("Father") was ordered to pay child support of $2,100 per month. Father appeals, arguing that the trial court erred in imputing income to him for the purpose of determining child support. Because we find that the trial court properly calculated Father's income based upon what it found to be the only credible evidence presented at trial, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:L. Marie Williams
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 06/26/01
State vs. Russell Snider

W2000-01240-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, Russell Snider, was convicted by a jury of third offense driving under the influence (DUI). He was sentenced to eleven months, twenty-nine days, with four months and twenty-nine days suspended. In this appeal as of right, the Defendant asserts (1) that he was prejudiced by the video recording of his performance of field sobriety tests because the video recording depicts an unqualified officer performing the horizontal gaze nystagmus test and (2) that the DUI sentencing statute is void for vagueness because it fails to give a person of ordinary intelligence fair notice that his or her conduct is forbidden by the statute. We hold that the Defendant was not prejudiced by the admission of the video and that the DUI sentencing statute is not void for vagueness. Therefore, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Chris B. Craft
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
Jerome Beasley, et al vs. Lloyd Amburgy

M2000-03122-COA-R3-CV
A limousine driver, after taking Tylenol and two or three shots of novocaine for an abscessed tooth, suffered a blackout and lost control of the automobile. The trial court granted summary judgment to the driver and his employer on the ground that the blackout was not reasonably foreseeable. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Barbara N. Haynes
Davidson County Court of Appeals 06/26/01
Jerry L. Luster v. J. Larry Craven, Jr.

W2000-02217-CCA-R3-CD

The petitioner, Jerry L. Luster, appeals pro se the summary dismissal of his petition for writ of habeas corpus. Because the petition was filed in the wrong county, we affirm the trial court's dismissal of the request for habeas corpus relief.

Authoring Judge: Special Judge Cornelia A. Clark
Originating Judge:Judge Roy B. Morgan, Jr.
Madison County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
Mary Ella Franklin v. Troll Associates,

W1999-01164-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated _5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The trial court awarded plaintiff twenty percent permanent partial disability to the right upper extremity for a wrist injury and an additional twenty percent permanent partial disability to the right upper extremity for a shoulder injury. Defendant appealed the decision of the trial court. We affirm and modify the judgment of the trial court. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (1999) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed and Modified DON R. ASH, SP. J., in which JANICE M. HOLDER, J., and JOHN K. BYERS, SR. J., joined. Ralph T. Gibson, Memphis, TN, for the Appellant, Troll Associates, et al. Matthew S. Russell and John L. McWhorter, Memphis, TN, for the Appellee, Mary Ella Franklin. MEMORANDUM OPINION History Plaintiff, Mary Franklin ("Franklin"), filed a Complaint for workers' compensation benefits on May 3, 1996. The trial was heard on June 23, 1999. At the conclusion of the proof, the trial court awarded Franklin twenty percent permanent partial disability to the right upper extremity for her wrist injury and an additional twenty percent permanent partial disability to the right upper extremity for her shoulder injury. Defendants, Troll Associates and Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., appeal the decision of the trial court. For the reasons discussed below, we affirm and modify the decision of the trial court. Facts Franklin was employed at Troll Associates, Inc. ("Troll"), from September 1993 until November 1994. During her employment Franklin operated a plastic packaging and sealing machine and did some line work. Franklin would package approximately 2, packages on an average workday. Franklin's job also required her to do some repetitive lifting. Franklin began to experience pain in her right arm and shoulder. Subsequently, Franklin reported her injuryto her supervisor, who referred her to Dr. Phillip Mintz for treatment. Next, Dr. Mintz referred Franklin to an orthopedic doctor, and she was sent to Dr. Riley Jones. Dr. Jones saw Franklin concerning her complaints. She was given pain medication and sent back to work. On November 28, 1994 Dr. Jones opined Franklin had reached maximum medical improvement. Later Franklin returned to Dr. Jones with the same complaints. Dr. Jones then conducted an EMG and diagnosed her with carpal tunnel syndrome and recommended surgery. On January 3, 1995, Franklin underwent right endoscopic carpal tunnel release and right DeQuervains release. Before and after the surgery Franklin testified she told Dr. Jones of her concerns about her shoulder. On April 1, 1995, Dr. Jones stated that Franklin was ready to return to work. Dr. Jones found no permanent partial impairment as a result of Franklin's carpal tunnel injury and surgery. Further, Dr. Jones found no permanent partial impairment related to Franklin's shoulder because he never treated her for the injury. Subsequently, Franklin went to Dr. Wilkinson and complained of pain over the back of her right shoulder. Dr. Wilkinson could not find a relationship between her shoulder pain and her carpal tunnel injury. He gave Franklin a three percent permanent partial impairment to her right upper extremity as a result of the residual from her carpal tunnel syndrome. Finally, an unauthorized physician, Dr. Aronoff, examined Franklin. Franklin did not seek approval from Troll before she incurred these additional medical costs. Dr. Aronoff diagnosed Franklin with a chronic rotator cuff, tendinitis, impingement syndrome, and an arthritic AC joint. On May 6, 1996, Dr. Aronoff performed successful surgery on Franklin's shoulder. Dr. Aronoff gave Franklin a permanent partial impairment to the right upper extremity of ten percent. Further, Dr. Aronoff gave Franklin a separate ten percent permanent partial impairment rating for the residual from her carpal tunnel syndrome. Dr. Aronoff further opined that Franklin's injuries were consistent with her work history dealing with repetitive overhead lifting. Medical Evidence At trial the evidentiary deposition testimony of Dr. Jones, Dr. Wilkinson, and Dr. Aronoff were entered into evidence. Dr. Jones never treated Franklin for the shoulder injury, and Dr. Wilkinson testified there was no relationship between the Franklin's carpal tunnel injury and her -2-
Authoring Judge: Don R. Ash, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:D.J. Alissandratos, Chancellor
Franklin County Workers Compensation Panel 06/26/01
Don Stone vs. Donald Brickey, et al

M2000-03093-COA-R3-CV
The trial court found that the plaintiff had a prescriptive easement over an old county road that abutted his land. The defendants argue that the trial court was in error because the plaintiff did not prove all of the elements required to establish a prescriptive easement. We affirm the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Tom E. Gray
Sumner County Court of Appeals 06/26/01
Jerry Anderson v. State of Tennessee

W2000-03141-CCA-R3-CO

Petitioner appeals the denial by the trial court of his writ of habeas corpus and writ of certiorari. Petitioner contended in his petition that he previously pled guilty in the Criminal Court of Madison County to the offenses of facilitation of first degree murder, conspiracy to commit especially aggravated robbery, and arson, and received an effective sentence of 60 years. He further contended that court did not have jurisdiction to try him as an adult; his rights to double jeopardy were violated as a result of his transfer to the Criminal Court; and he received ineffective assistance of trial counsel. On appeal, he claims the trial court erred in dismissing his petition without appointing counsel, without conducting a hearing, and by failing to make findings of fact and conclusions of law. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Judge Lee Moore
Lake County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Eric D. Thomas

W1999-00337-CCA-R3-CD

The Defendant, Eric D. Thomas, pled guilty to four counts of robbery and was sentenced to six years for each conviction. The sentences were ordered to run consecutively, which ruling the Defendant now appeals. The judgment of the trial court ordering the Defendant's sentences to run consecutively is reversed, and this matter is remanded for resentencing on the issue of consecutive sentences.

Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph B. Dailey
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Eric Phillips

W1999-01800-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant appeals and asserts that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction for first degree premeditated murder. After review, we hold that the evidence is sufficient; therefore, we affirm the defendant's conviction.

Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge John P. Colton, Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
State of Tennessee v. Mario Rogers

W1999-01454-CCA-R3-CD

In 1999, a Shelby County jury found the Defendant guilty of aggravated robbery, and the trial court sentenced him as a Range I, standard offender to eight years incarceration. In this appeal as of right, the Defendant presents the following issues for our review: (1) whether the evidence presented at trial was sufficient to support his conviction; (2) whether the trial court erred by admitting into evidence the gun alleged to have been used in the robbery; (3) whether the trial court erred by allowing testimony by the victim concerning the death of the victim's mother; (4) whether the trial court improperly instructed the jury; and (5) whether the cumulative effect of errors at trial warrants a new trial. Having reviewed the record, we find no error and accordingly affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Arthur T. Bennett
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01
In re: Adoption of A.K.S.R. and A.T.S.R.

M2000-03081-COA-R3-CV
This appeal stems from a petition by both a paternal aunt and the foster parents to adopt twenty-month-old twin girls. The trial court found that the paternal aunt should adopt the children because relatives have preference over non-relatives in adoption proceedings and the foster parents did not meet the terms of the contract they signed with the Department of Children's Services. We reverse the decision of the trial court and grant the petition of the foster parents.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Leonard W. Martin
Cheatham County Court of Appeals 06/26/01
State vs. Frank Johnson

W2000-00386-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant was indicted by a Shelby County Grand Jury for driving while an habitual motor vehicle offender, felony evading arrest, and driving under the influence of an intoxicant, fourth offense (felony DUI), all charges arising from a single incident. The defendant pled guilty to driving while an habitual motor vehicle offender, a Class E felony, with punishment reserved until after trial of the other offenses. Following a jury trial, the defendant was found guilty of felony evading arrest, a Class E felony, not guilty of felony DUI, and sentenced to consecutive, six-year terms as a career offender for driving while an habitual motor vehicle offender and for felony evading arrest, resulting in an effective sentence of twelve years. The trial court also assessed fines of $2000 on each conviction. In this appeal as of right, the defendant argues that the evidence was insufficient as to the felony evading arrest conviction, that the jury should have been instructed as to lesser-included offenses, and that the sentences should not be served consecutively. Based upon our review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Chris B. Craft
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/26/01