Ben Mills v. State of Tennessee
W2005-00480-CCA-R3-PC
The petitioner, Ben Mills, appeals the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief from his first degree murder, aggravated robbery, and attempted first degree murder convictions, arguing that the post-conviction court erred in finding that trial counsel was not ineffective for failing to request a jury instruction on voluntary intoxication. Having reviewed the record, we conclude that the petitioner has failed to meet his burden of showing by clear and convincing evidence that he was prejudiced as a result of any alleged deficiency in counsel’s representation. Accordingly, we affirm the denial of the petition for post-conviction relief.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge James C. Beasley, Jr. |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/05/06 | |
Elizabeth Sowell Needham v. Chad Dearman
M2004-02031-COA-R3-JV
Plaintiff appeals from failure of the trial court to allow interest on a child support arrearage judgment pursuant to T.C.A. § 36-5-101(A)(5). The judgment of the trial court is reversed.
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Judge A. Andrew Jackson |
Dickson County | Court of Appeals | 01/05/06 | |
State of Tennessee v. Currie Lee Byrd
W2005-00999-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Currie Lee Byrd, pled guilty to arson and vandalism over $60,000 and was sentenced to concurrent terms of three years and eight years, respectively, to be served under the supervision of a community corrections program after serving 140 days in jail. He reserved as a certified question of law whether the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress his statements. Following our review, we concur with the trial court’s determination that the motion to suppress was without merit.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker, III |
Tipton County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/05/06 | |
State of Tennessee v. Joe Mac Pearson
M2004-03074-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Joe Mac Pearson, was convicted by a jury in the Marshall County Circuit Court of selling a Schedule II controlled substance, namely oxycodone, and he received a sentence of ten years in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his conviction and the sentence imposed. Upon our review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge W. Charles Lee |
Marshall County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/05/06 | |
Michael Edward Ort v. Lora Jeanette Ort
W2005-00833-COA-R3-CV
This is a divorce case. Husband appeals the trial court’s division of marital property, award alimony in futuro to Wife, naming of Wife as primary residential parent, and child support order. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Chancellor George R. Ellis |
Gibson County | Court of Appeals | 01/05/06 | |
Anthony Chatman v. City of Chattanooga
E2004-02701-COA-R3-CV
Mr. Chatman was a policeman in Chattanooga. He was fired on September 15, 2003 for untruthfulness during an investigation, and for conduct unbecoming a police officer. He appealed to the Chattanooga City Council which upheld his dismissal. His petition for certiorari was denied and he appeals. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge William H. Inman, Sr.
Originating Judge:Chancellor W. Frank Brown, III |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 01/05/06 | |
Marcus E. Thompson v. State of Tennessee
E2004-03028-CCA-R3-PC
The petitioner, Marcus E. Thompson, appeals the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief, arguing that the post-conviction court erred in finding he received effective assistance of trial and appellate counsel. Following our review, we affirm the denial of the petition.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Phyllis H. Miller |
Sullivan County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/04/06 | |
Kenny Vaughn, et al. v. Notie L. Cunningham, et al.
E2004-03001-COA-R3-CV
Kenny Vaughn and Barbara Vaughn ("Plaintiffs" or "Mr. Vaughn" and "Mrs. Vaughn" as appropriate) sued Notie L. Cunningham and John Doe concerning an automobile accident that occurred in Hamilton County. The case was tried before a jury and the Trial Court entered judgment on the jury's verdict. The jury found John Doe 100% at fault for the accident, but awarded Plaintiffs no damages. Plaintiffs appeal to this Court claiming that the jury verdict is contrary to the evidence because the amount of damages is not within the range of reasonableness, and that the Trial Court erred by not granting a new trial and by awarding court costs against Plaintiffs. We affirm as modified.
Authoring Judge: Judge D. Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Judge Samuel H. Payne |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 01/04/06 | |
Yelena Utkina Kesterson v. Thomas Michael Kesterson, et al.
W2004-02815-COA-R3-CV
This case involves issues arising out of the parties’ divorce. The chancery court designated and divided the parties’ assets and placed an equitable lien on the separate property of the husband. The chancery court did not award alimony or attorney’s fees and discretionary costs to the wife. We affirm in part, vacate in part, reverse in part, and remand for further proceedings. Further, we decline to award attorney’s fees and costs on appeal
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Chancellor Ron E. Harmon |
Carroll County | Court of Appeals | 01/04/06 | |
State of Tennessee v. Monsanto Undrez Cannon
M2005-01258-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant pled guilty to and was convicted of misdemeanor casual exchange of marijuana not in excess of one-half ounce, Class E felony possession with intent for resale of not less than one-half ounce nor more than ten pounds of marijuana, and possession of a handgun as a felon, also a Class E felony. The Defendant was sentenced to eleven months and twenty-nine days for his misdemeanor conviction, and three years as a Range II, multiple offender for each felony conviction. The trial court ordered the two felony conviction sentences to be served consecutively, for an effective six year term of incarceration. On appeal, the Defendant challenges his sentence, claiming the court erred by: 1) imposing consecutive sentences, and 2) denying alternative sentencing. We affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Judge Lee Russell |
Bedford County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/04/06 | |
Wilson Neely v. State of Tennessee
W2004-03006-CCA-R3-PC
Petitioner appeals the dismissal of his petition for post-conviction relief arguing that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance of counsel during the preparation of his case. Specifically, Petitioner contends that trial counsel’s failure to interview and call Andre Jackson as a witness at trial was deficient conduct. After a thorough review of the record, we conclude that Petitioner has failed to show that he was prejudiced by any deficiencies in his trial counsel’s performance, and we thus affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge John P. Colton, Jr. |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/04/06 | |
Kenneth B. White v. State of Tennessee
W2004-02553-CCA-R3-PC
Petitioner, Kenneth B. White, filed a pro se petition for post-conviction relief alleging that his trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance of counsel by failing to pursue an appeal following Petitioner’s conviction of vehicular homicide. The post-conviction court dismissed the petition without an evidentiary hearing because it was untimely filed. After a thorough review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Bernie Weinman |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/04/06 | |
Kenny Carson Cockrell, Jr., v. State of Tennessee
W2004-02923-CCA-R3-PC
The petitioner, Kenny Carson Cockrell, Jr., pled guilty in the Madison County Circuit Court to six counts of aggravated robbery and one count of attempted aggravated robbery, and he received a total effective sentence of twenty-five years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. Subsequently, the petitioner filed a petition for post-conviction relief, alleging that his trial counsel was ineffective. After a hearing, the post-conviction court denied the petition, and the petitioner now appeals. Upon review of the record and the parties’ briefs, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Donald H. Allen |
Madison County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/04/06 | |
Wanda Barron And Ronald Barron v. Louise Stephenson d/b/a Louise Learning Tree
W2004-02906-COA-R3-CV
In this appeal, we are called upon to evaluate the trial court’s grant of summary judgment to the defendant in a premises liability suit. After reviewing the record, we hold that the plaintiff failed to establish that the defendant owed her a duty of care. Specifically, the plaintiff failed to offer any proof tending to show that the ramp on which she slipped and fell constituted a defective and/or dangerous condition. Accordingly, we affirm the trial court’s grant of summary judgment to the defendant.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Judge Rita L. Stotts |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 01/04/06 | |
Jubal Carson v. David Mills, Warden
W2005-00745-CCA-R3-HC
The petitioner, Jubal Carson, appeals theLauderdale County Circuit Court’s dismissal of his petition for habeas corpus relief. Because the petitioner failed to timely file a notice of appeal and the interests of justice do not require the waiving of a timely notice, we dismiss the appeal.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker, III |
Lauderdale County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/04/06 | |
State of Tennessee v. Bernard Miguel Wallace
W2004-02124-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Bernard Miguel Wallace, was convicted by a Hardin County jury of the sale of under .5 grams of a Schedule II controlled substance, cocaine, a Class C felony. He was sentenced as a Range II, multiple offender to nine years in the Department of Correction and fined $2000. On appeal, he argues: (1) the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction; and (2) his sentence is illegal pursuant to Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296, 124 S. Ct. 2531 (2004). Following our review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed McGinley |
Hardin County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/03/06 | |
Leonard V. Catalano v. State of Tennessee
M2005-00070-CCA-R3-PC
The petitioner, Leonard V. Catalano, pled guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual battery. As a result, he was sentenced to thirty-two years incarceration. His sentence was affirmed by this Court on direct appeal. See State v. Leonard V. Catalano, No. M2001-03039-CCA-R3-CD, 2003 WL 21877933 (Tenn. Crim. App. at Nashville, July 9, 2003), perm. app. denied, (Tenn. Nov. 24, 2003). The petitioner subsequently sought post-conviction relief, alleging that his guilty plea was not knowing and voluntary due to ineffective assistance of counsel. Following a hearing, the post-conviction court denied the petition. The petitioner appealed. For the following reasons, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Steve R. Dozier |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/03/06 | |
Terry Lynn Roberts v. State of Tennessee
W2005-00917-CCA-R3-PC
The petitioner, Terry Lynn Roberts, was convicted of rape of a child, aggravated sexual battery, and rape and sentenced, respectively, to terms of twenty-five years, eleven years, and twelve years, with the sentences to be served consecutively. The convictions and sentences were affirmed on direct appeal, with the petitioner then filing a petition for post-conviction relief, relying on the holding in Blakely v. Washington, 542 U.S. 296, 124 S. Ct. 2531 (2004), and asserting that it should be applied retroactively and, as a result, the court erred in enhancing his sentences. The post-conviction court dismissed the petition, and we concur in that dismissal.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed McGinley |
Carroll County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/03/06 | |
State of Tennessee v. Troy Wayne Stepp
W2005-00589-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Troy Wayne Stepp, was convicted of delivery of a Schedule II controlled substance, methamphetamine, a Class C felony, and sentenced as a multiple offender to eight years in the Department of Correction. On appeal, he argues: (1) the trial court erred in allowing the introduction of a transcript of a taped-recorded conversation; and (2) the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction. Following our review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker, III |
Tipton County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 01/03/06 | |
Roger C. Buttrey v. Connie J. Buttrey
M2007-00772-COA-R3-CV
The divorced father was found to be in willful criminal contempt of a previous court order by the trial court and sentenced to 10 days in the Williamson County jail for not paying his child support in June 2006, 10 days for not paying his child support in November 2006, 10 days for not paying his child support in December 2006, and 10 days for not paying his share of the medical bills of his minor children. The father appealed. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Chancellor R.E. Lee Davies |
Williamson County | Court of Appeals | 01/02/06 | |
Clifford L. Taylor v. David Mills, Warden
W2005-01587-CCA-R3-HC
The Petitioner, Clifford L. Taylor, appeals the lower court’s denial of his petition for habeas corpus relief. The State has filed a motion requesting that this Court affirm the trial court pursuant to Rule 20, Rules of the Court of Criminal Appeals. The Petitioner has failed to allege any ground that would render the judgment of conviction void. Accordingly, we affirm the trial court’s dismissal.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. C. McLin
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker, III |
Lauderdale County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/29/05 | |
State of Tennessee v. Richard Lee Frazier
E2005-00776-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Richard Lee Frazier, appeals the Sullivan County Criminal Court's order revoking his probation. On appeal, the defendant claims that although he violated his probation, the trial court abused its discretion by revoking his probation and ordering him to serve his sentence in confinement. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge Phyllis H. Miller |
Sullivan County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/29/05 | |
Marilyn Stavely v. Amsouth Bank (Milan, TN) And Mary Jane Miller
W2005-01354-COA-R3-CV
This is an action to recover damages for the alleged improper disposition of funds in a conservatorship account, conspiracy, and false advertising. The plaintiff’s mother was placed under a conservatorship, and the conservator opened an account at the defendant bank for the conservatorship. After the plaintiff’s mother died, the account was settled and the accounting was approved by the Gibson County Chancery Court. The plaintiff sought to recover funds from the account, but was informed that the account was settled. The plaintiff sued the bank and its branch manager for conspiracy, false advertising, and disappearing funds. The trial court granted the defendants’ motion to dismiss. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Judge Clayburn L. Peeples |
Gibson County | Court of Appeals | 12/29/05 | |
In Re: Sentinel Trust Company
M2005-00031-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves three cases consolidated for oral argument. Because of the duplication of the major issues in the cases, we consolidate the cases into one opinion. The Commissioner of the Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions, acting on statutory authority, took emergency possession of a Tennessee trust company, filing due notice of such action in the Chancery Court of Lewis County. Subsequently, the Commissioner gave notice, as required by statute, of the liquidation of the company, which was commenced in the Chancery Court of Lewis County. The company filed a petition for writ of certiorari and supersedeas in the Chancery Court of Davidson County. The court denied the petition for supersedeas and dismissed the writ of certiorari. Appellants appeal. We affirm. In the Lewis County Chancery Court proceeding, the court approved the transfer by the Commissioner of the various fiduciary accounts administered by the company and other assets of the company, and the appellants appeal. We affirm. Included in the disposition of the property was real estate located in Bellevue, and the Commissioner filed a motion in the Lewis County Chancery Court for approval of the sale of this real estate. Objections were filed to the Bellevue sale motion. The court, after hearing proof, approved the sale. Appellants filed separate appeals. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Chancellor R.E. Lee Davies |
Lewis County | Court of Appeals | 12/29/05 | |
Brian Alan Hanna v. State of Tennessee
M2004-02198-CCA-R3-PC
The petitioner, Brian Alan Hanna, appeals from the Wilson County Criminal Court's summary dismissal of his petition for post-conviction relief from his conviction of theft of property valued over $1000, six forgery convictions, and effective sentence of eight years. He contends that the trial court erred in concluding that his petition was untimely filed and in denying his motion to discharge fines and costs. We affirm the trial court regarding the forgery convictions, but reverse the dismissal regarding the theft and remand the case to the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge J. O. Bond |
Wilson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/29/05 |