Welister L. White, Pro Se v. State of Tennessee
W2003-00888-CCA-R3-PC
This matter is before the Court upon the State’s motion to affirm the judgment of the trial court by order pursuant to Rule 20, Rules of the Court of Criminal Appeals. Petitioner seeks review of the lower court’s dismissal of his motion in arrest of judgment. Finding that the instant petition is not proper as either a motion in arrest of judgment, petition for post-conviction relief, or application for writ of habeas corpus relief, we affirm the dismissal of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph B. Dailey |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
James Oliver Ross, Pro Se v. State of Tennessee
W2003-00843-CCA-R3-HC
The Petitioner, James Oliver Ross, appeals the trial court's denial of his petition for habeas corpus relief. The State has filed a motion requesting that this Court affirm the trial court's denial of relief pursuant to Rule 20, Rules of the Court of Criminal Appeals. The Petitioner fails to assert a cognizable claim for which habeas corpus relief may be granted. Accordingly, the State's motion is granted and the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge David G. Hayes
Originating Judge:Judge Roy B. Morgan, Jr. |
Madison County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
Willie Wooten v. Wal-Mart Stores East. Inc.,
W2002-02682-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal, the employer questions the trial court's findings as to compensability and rate of compensation benefits. The employer also insists the trial court erred in ordering it to pay medical expenses to TennCare, and not directly to the health care providers. The employee insists the employer should have been assessed with a penalty for its failure to provide medical benefits. As discussed below, the panel has concluded the evidence fails to preponderate against the trial court's findings as to compensability and compensation rate, but should be remanded for determining TennCare's subrogation interest, if any. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (22 Supp.) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court Affirmed in Part; Remanded JOE C. LOSER, JR., SP. J., in which JANICE M. HOLDER, J., and JOE H. WALKER, III, SP. J., joined. Jay L. Johnson, Allen, Kopet & Associates, Jackson, Tennessee, for the appellants, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. Keith V. Moore, Memphis, Tennessee, for the appellee, Willie Wooten MEMORANDUM OPINION The employee or claimant, Mr. Wooten, initiated this civil action to recover medical benefits, temporary total disability benefits and permanent partial disability benefits for a back injury occurring on November 15, 1999, arising out of and in the course of his employment with the employer, Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. He also sought general relief. The employer denied liability. After a trial on the merits, the trial court awarded permanent partial disability benefits based on 6 percent to the body as a whole, with a weekly benefit rate of $317.73 per week, temporary total disability benefits at the same rate from November 15, 1999 to July 1, 2, discretionary costs and medical expenses in the sum of $12,97.25. The employer has appealed. Appellate review is de novo upon the record of the trial court, accompanied by a presumption of correctness of the findings of fact, unless the preponderance of the evidence is otherwise. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225 (e)(2). This tribunal is not bound by the trial court's findings but instead conducts an independent examination of the record to determine where the preponderance lies. Galloway v. Memphis Drum Serv., 822 S.W.2d 584, 586 (Tenn. 1991). Conclusions of law are subject to de novo review on appeal without any presumption of correctness. Nutt v. Champion Intern. Corp., 98 S.W.2d 365, 367 (Tenn. 1998). On the above date, the claimant was stacking cases of juice when he suffered severe and sudden back pain and fell to the floor, while working for the employer. He reported the accident to his supervisor immediately and the store's general manager a few hours later. He was referred to Dr. Evan Murray, who treated him conservatively for two to two and one-half months, then referred him to a neurosurgeon, Dr. Davies, who diagnosed chronic low back radiculopathy and scheduled corrective surgery. Surgery was performed by Dr. Davies on May 23, 2. On August 3, 2, Dr. Davies released him to return to work with restrictions. The claimant has not returned to work. He continues to complain of pain and inability to work. He has seen a number of doctors. Dr. Parsioon, who had treated the claimant for a prior low back injury, visited briefly with him on April 26, 2. Dr. Parsioon testified that he found no evidence of a new injury as a result of the November 15, 1999 accident. However, the claimant's own testimony, the report of Dr. Davies and the testimony of Dr. Boals reflect that the accident contributed to the claimant's disability, either as the direct cause or by aggravating a pre-existing condition. The employer contends the event of November 15, 1999 was no more than a manifestation of the previous injury, which also occurred while the claimant was working for the employer and for which the claimant received no permanent disability benefits. The employer relies entirely on the testimony of Dr. Parsioon. When the medical testimony differs, the trial court must choose which view to believe. In doing so, the court is allowed, among other things, to consider the qualifications of the experts, the circumstances of their examination, the information available to them, and the evaluation of the importance of that information by other experts. Orman v. Williams Sonoma, Inc., 83 S.W.2d 672, 676 (Tenn. 1991). Moreover, it is within the discretion of the trial court to conclude that the opinion of certain experts should be accepted over that of other experts and that it contains the more probable explanation. Hinson v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., 654 S.W.2d 675, 676-7 (Tenn. 1983). Any reasonable -2-
Authoring Judge: Joe C. Loser, Jr., Sp. J.
Originating Judge:George H. Brown, Judge |
Shelby County | Workers Compensation Panel | 12/31/03 | |
State of Tennessee v. Chysea Myranda Marney
W2002-02648-CCA-R3-CD
Following an Obion County Circuit Court jury trial, the defendant, Chysea Myranda Marney, was convicted of possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, a Class E felony, Tenn. Code Ann. § 39-17-417(a)(4), (g)(1) (2003), and possession of drug paraphernalia, a Class A misdemeanor, id. § 39-17-425(a) (2003). The trial court sentenced her on the felony as a multiple offender to three years in the Department of Correction, and it sentenced her on the misdemeanor to eleven months, 29 days in the county jail. Now on appeal, the defendant claims that the trial court erred in failing to suppress evidence gained through the execution of a search warrant and that the evidence is insufficient to support the convictions. We disagree and affirm the lower court’s judgments.
Authoring Judge: Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge William B. Acree, Jr. |
Obion County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
Ronald E. Brown v. Balaton Power, Inc.
M2001-02770-COA-R3-CV
This case involves the issue of whether parties contracted for arbitration to be the sole method of dispute resolution with regard to contract disputes. We find the intent of the parties unclear due to an irreconcilable conflict between two sections of the contract dealing with dispute resolution. We, thus, affirm the trial court's ruling that Plaintiff cannot be compelled to arbitrate.
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Russell Heldman |
Williamson County | Court of Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
Shirley Ann Borchert v. Emerson Electric Company
W2003-00111-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal, the employer questions the trial court's findings as to permanency and extent of vocational disability. As discussed below, the panel has concluded the judgment fails to preponderate against the findings of the trial court. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (22 Supp.) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court Affirmed JOE C. LOSER, JR., SP. J., in which JANICE M. HOLDER, J., and JOE H. WALKER, III, SP. J., joined. Richard L. Dunlap, Paris, Tennessee, for the appellant, Emerson Electric Company Charles L. Hicks, Camden, Tennessee, for the appellee, Shirley Ann Borchert MEMORANDUM OPINION The employee or claimant, Ms. Borchert, initiated this civil action to recover workers' compensation benefits from her employer, Emerson, for a work related foot injury. Emerson denied liability. After a trial on the merits, the trial court awarded, among other things, permanent partial disability benefits based on 35 percent to the leg. The employer has appealed. Appellate review is de novo upon the record of the trial court, accompanied by a presumption of correctness of the findings of fact, unless the preponderance of the evidence is otherwise. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e)(2). This tribunal is not bound by the trial court's findings but instead conducts an independent examination of the record to determine where the preponderance lies. Galloway v. Memphis Drum Serv., 822 S.W.2d 584, 586 (Tenn. 1991). Where the trial judge has seen and heard the witnesses, especially if issues of credibility and weight to be given oral testimony are involved, considerable deference must be accorded those circumstances on review, because it is the trial court which had the opportunity to observe the witnesses' demeanor and to hear the in- court testimony. Long v. Tri-Con Ind., Ltd., 996 S.W.2d 173, 178 (Tenn. 1999). The appellate tribunal, however, is as well situated to gauge the weight, worth and significance of deposition testimony as the trial judge. Walker v. Saturn Corp., 986 S.W.2d 24, 27 (Tenn. 1998). Conclusions of law are subject to de novo review on appeal without any presumption of correctness. Nutt v. Champion Intern. Corp., 98 S.W.2d 365, 367 (Tenn. 1998). The claimant was working on the employer's production line on August 24, 1999, when a piece of sheet metal, approximately one and one-half feet long and eight or nine inches wide, fell from a table top and landed on her right leg at the ankle. The ankle and foot immediately became swollen and bruised. She was taken to the Henry County Medical Emergency Room, where she was treated and referred to Dr. Bo Griffey. Dr. Griffey treated her with antibiotics and pain medication and returned her to light duty work on September 14, 1999. He returned her to full duty on November 2,1999. She continued to have swelling, pain and stiffness in her right ankle. She continued to see other doctors with those complaints. On November 3, 2, more than a year after her injury, she visited Dr. Vince Tusa. She also saw Dr. Segal, who referred her to an orthopedic surgeon, Dr. G. Blake Chandler. Dr. Chandler ordered magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed joint fusion and subcutaneous edema in the medial aspect of the injured ankle. She saw Dr. Joseph Boals, who studied her medical records, examined her and opined that she would retain some minor permanent impairment as a result of the injury. He advised her to wear an ankle brace and permanently restricted her from walking on uneven ground and from excessive stooping, squatting, standing, walking and climbing. She saw Dr. Robert Barnett, who, based on atrophy in her right calf, inability to stand on her right leg for any length of time, limited motion and a chronically swollen right ankle, estimated her permanent medical impairment to be 1 percent to the right lower extremity. She was evaluated by Dr. Amy Dunagan, who found no evidence of muscle atrophy or significant noticeable weakness. The claimant continues to have swelling in her right foot and ankle. She cannot walk or stand for long periods of time without experiencing extreme pain from her right ankle and calf. She takes Alleve to control the pain, has tenderness and limited motion in the injured joint and walks with a limp. Because she is no longer able to perform her assigned duties, she has not worked for the employer since March 14, 21. Her testimony in these respects was corroborated by other lay witnesses. The appellant contends the trial court erred in admitting into evidence the testimony of Dr. Boals because there was a discrepancy between his testimony and the report of Dr. Robb Mitchell, the doctor who performed the magnetic resonance imaging test. Dr. Mitchell's report said the -2-
Authoring Judge: Joe C. Loser, Jr., Sp. J.
Originating Judge:C. Creed Mcginley, Judge |
Benton County | Workers Compensation Panel | 12/31/03 | |
Edward Silva v. Albert Buckley, Jr.
M2002-00045-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Russell Heldman |
Williamson County | Court of Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
Marvin Anthony Matthews, Pro Se v. State of Tennessee and Bruce Westbrooks, Warden, West Tennessee State Penitentiary
W2003-00106-CCA-R3-CO
The Petitioner, Marvin Anthony Matthews, appeals the trial court's denial of his petition for habeas corpus relief. The State has filed a motion requesting that this Court affirm the trial court's denial of relief pursuant to Rule 20, Rules of the Court of Criminal Appeals. Because Petitioner filed his petition in the wrong venue without providing a sufficient reason for not applying in the proper court, we grant the State's motion and affirm the judgment of the lower court.
Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph B. Dailey |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
Mario Gates, Pro Se v. State of Tennessee
W2002-02873-CCA-R3-PC
This matter is before the Court upon the State’s motion to affirm the judgment of the trial court by order pursuant to Rule 20, Rules of the Court of Criminal Appeals. The Petitioner appeals the trial court’s denial of his motion to reopen his petition for post-conviction relief. The Petitioner fails to assert a cognizable ground for reopening his petition. Accordingly, the State's motion is granted and the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge David G. Hayes
Originating Judge:Judge James C. Beasley, Jr. |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
Edward Silva v. Albert Buckley, Jr.
M2002-00045-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Russell Heldman |
Williamson County | Court of Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
Chauncey R. Gordon v. State of Tennessee
M2002-02619-CCA-R3-CD
The petitioner, who pled guilty to one count of first degree murder and one count of second degree murder, appeals the denial of his petition for writ of error coram nobis, arguing that the trial court should have granted him relief based on newly discovered evidence which allegedly showed that his trial counsel had a conflict of interest at the time he entered his pleas of guilty. Following our review, we affirm the order of the trial court denying the petition.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr. |
Giles County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
State of Tennessee v. John Wayne Britt
W2002-01923-CCA-R3-CD
Indicted for the February 10, 2001 first degree premeditated murder of Anthony Sims, the defendant, John Wayne Britt, was convicted by a Henderson County jury of second degree murder. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court sentenced the defendant to 25 years in the Department of Correction. Now on appeal, the defendant claims that insufficient evidence supports his conviction and that his sentence is excessive. We disagree and affirm the trial court’s judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Roger A. Page |
Henderson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
State of Tennessee v. Alveto Martel Higgins
W2002-02498-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant entered open guilty pleas to three counts of the sale of less than 0.5 grams of cocaine, possession of over 0.5 grams of cocaine with intent to sell or deliver, simple possession of marijuana, and driving on a revoked license. The trial court gave the defendant an effective sentence of nine years to be served in the Tennessee Department of Correction. The defendant contends that the trial court erred in denying him alternative sentencing. The judgments of the trial court are affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed McGinley |
Hardin County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
Jessie Hodges, Pro Se v. State of Tennessee
W2003-01006-CCA-R3-CO
This matter is before the Court upon the State’s motion to affirm the judgment of the trial court by order pursuant to Rule 20, Rules of the Court of Criminal Appeals. The Petitioner is appealing the trial court's denial of habeas corpus relief. The Petitioner fails to assert a ground of relief entitling him to habeas corpus relief. Accordingly, the State's motion is granted and the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge David G. Hayes
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker, III |
Lauderdale County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
Alma Neiswinter v. Mark Murray
M2002-02345-COA-R3-CV
This appeal involves modification of child custody and child support, and contempt for failure to pay the support. When the mother and the father were divorced, the mother was designated as the primary residential parent. Three years later, custody was changed to the father. Subsequently, the mother filed a petition for change of custody and for modification of her child support obligation. The State later filed a petition on behalf of the father to hold the mother in criminal contempt for failure to pay child support. After a trial on both the mother's petition for change in custody and support and the State's petition for contempt, the trial court denied the mother's petition for custody, reduced the support retroactively because one child no longer lived with the father, and granted the State's petition, holding the mother in contempt. As punishment for the contempt, the trial court sentenced the mother to forty days in prison. From that order, the mother now appeals. We affirm the trial court's determinations regarding child custody and child support. We reverse the trial court's finding of criminal contempt, finding that the mother had in fact paid all of the required child support, based on the trial court's retroactive order reducing the child support obligation.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Timothy L. Easter |
Williamson County | Court of Appeals | 12/31/03 | |
Donald Britt v. Roxanne Howell
M2002-03070-COA-R3-CV
The parties are adjacent commercial landowners of two story buildings with the second floors of their buildings being serviced by a common stairway between the two properties. The dispute involves use of the stairway and storage closets under and over the stairwell. The trial court held that the stairway was a common stairway, owned in equal undivided interests by the parties as was the upper floor storage area. The trial court further held that the lower floor storage area belonged exclusively to Appellees. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Robert L. Jones |
Maury County | Court of Appeals | 12/30/03 | |
State of Tennessee v. Jesse Tuggle
M2002-02426-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Jesse Tuggle, was convicted by a jury in the Williamson County Circuit Court of one count of forgery, one count of theft of property valued under $500, and one count of criminal impersonation. The trial court sentenced the appellant to one and one-half years of imprisonment in the Tennessee Department of Correction for the forgery conviction, eleven months and twenty-nine days imprisonment for the theft conviction, and six months imprisonment for the criminal impersonation conviction. The trial court further ordered the sentences to be served concurrently. On appeal, the appellant contests the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his forgery conviction and argues that the trial court erred in denying alternative sentencing. Upon review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Timothy L. Easter |
Williamson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/30/03 | |
State of Tennessee v. Jermaine Reshawn Scott, Anthony Ray Tharpe, and Felicia Ann Taylor
W2002-01812-CCA-R3-CD
Each of the defendants in this case was convicted of drug charges following the search of their home. They contend that the search warrant was invalid because of material misrepresentations and lack of probable cause. They also contend the trial court erred in sentencing each of them. After careful review of the record, we conclude the trial court did not err in failing to suppress the evidence obtained as a result of the search warrant, and we affirm each defendant’s conviction. After de novo review of the trial court’s sentencing determinations, we modify the sentences of defendants Scott and Tharpe. The sentence of Felicia Ann Taylor is affirmed. Accordingly, the case is remanded for entry of corrected judgments of conviction consistent with this opinion.
Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Julian P. Guinn |
Henry County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/30/03 | |
State of Tennessee v. Treasa Renee Shorter
M2002-02387-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Treasa Renee Shorter, pled guilty to possession of .5 grams or more of cocaine with intent to sell. The trial court imposed a sentence of nine years and nine months to be served in the Department of Correction. In this appeal, the defendant contends: (1) her sentence is excessive; and (2) the trial court erred in denying alternative sentencing. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Judge W. Charles Lee |
Marshall County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/30/03 | |
State of Tennessee v. Vernica Shabree Ward - Concurring
M2002-01816-CCA-R3-CD
I agree with the majority opinion that the so-called “rule of three” evidence should have been excluded in this case, based upon the trial court’s initial ruling that there was insufficient foundation laid to allow its admissibility. I write separately to express that I limit my decision to the instant case. After careful review, I concluded that the admissibility of this evidence was a very close decision and deferred, as I must, to the trial court’s decision. However, with additional testimony concerning the McDaniel factors, a proper foundation might be laid for admitting expert testimony concerning the “rule of three."
Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Cheryl A. Blackburn |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/30/03 | |
State of Tennessee v. Lori Ann Duncan
E2003-00423-CCA-R3-CD
Lori Ann Duncan appeals the Sullivan County Criminal Court's revocation of her probationary sentence. Duncan claims that the lower court abused its discretion in ordering her to serve her sentence in incarceration in the Department of Correction. However, we are unpersuaded and affirm the lower court's judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge R. Jerry Beck |
Sullivan County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/30/03 | |
Freddie Vaught v. State of Tennessee
M2003-00955-CCA-R3-PC
The petitioner appeals the denial of post-conviction relief. He argues his guilty plea to second degree murder was involuntary due to ineffective assistance of trial counsel. We affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Judge James K. Clayton, Jr. |
Rutherford County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/30/03 | |
State of Tennessee v. Lavondas Cordell Nelson
M2003-01525-CCA-R3-CO
The Petitioner, Lavondas Cordell Nelson, pled guilty to one count of reckless endangerment with a weapon and one count of possession of a handgun by a felon in the Rutherford County Circuit Court, and the trial court imposed suspended two year sentences for each count, to be served consecutively, plus four years of probation at the expiration of those terms. The Petitioner filed a pro se petition for writ of habeas corpus and a motion requesting that the trial court appoint an attorney to represent him during the habeas corpus proceeding. The trial court denied his motion and dismissed his petition for writ of habeas corpus. On appeal, the Petitioner contends that: (1) the trial court erred in dismissing his petition for writ of habeas corpus; and (2) the trial court erred by denying his motion for appointment of counsel. Finding no reversible error, we affirm the trial court's judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Don R. Ash |
Rutherford County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/30/03 | |
State of Tennessee v. Travis Anderson
W2003-00674-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, Travis Anderson, pled guilty to two counts of aggravated burglary, with an agreed sentence of three years on each count to be served concurrently. Pursuant to the plea agreement, the trial court was to determine whether the Defendant merited for alternative sentencing. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court denied the Defendant’s application for judicial diversion, suspended his sentence for three years, and placed the Defendant on probation for three years. On appeal, the Defendant contends that the trial court erred in refusing to grant his application for judicial diversion. Finding no error, we affirm the trial court’s judgments.
Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Bernie Weinman |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/30/03 | |
State of Tennessee v. Mikel Ulysees Primm
M2002-01889-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Mikel Ulysees Primm, was convicted of speeding, simple possession of cocaine, simple possession of marijuana, possession of drug paraphernalia, and criminal impersonation. The trial court imposed a sentence of 30 days for the speeding offense, 11 months and 29 days on each of the three possession offenses, and six months for the criminal impersonation offense. The sentence for criminal impersonation is to be served consecutively to the sentence for simple possession of cocaine. The remaining sentences are to be served concurrently to the sentence for simple possession of cocaine and to each other. In this appeal of right, the defendant argues that the trial court provided erroneous instructions to the jury as to the definition of constructive possession. The judgments are affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Allen W. Wallace |
Dickson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 12/30/03 |