APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

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Javon Webster v. State of Tennessee

W2016-01473-CCA-R3-PC

Petitioner, Javon Webster, appeals from the post-conviction court’s summary dismissal of the post-conviction petition filed approximately twelve years after expiration of the one year statute of limitations for post-conviction petitions. Petitioner alleged facts in his petition which he claims justify tolling of the statute of limitations based upon due process grounds. After review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the postconviction court.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Chris Craft
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/29/18
Maureen Davis v. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage, et al.

W2016-02278-COA-R3-CV

Homeowner brought a lawsuit asserting multiple challenges to the bank’s administration of her mortgage and initiation of foreclosure proceedings. The bank filed a motion to dismiss, which was ultimately granted by the trial court, despite several post-judgment motions filed by the homeowner. On appeal, the bank argues that the homeowner’s notice of appeal was not timely. Although we find that the homeowner’s notice of appeal was timely, we conclude that the trial court did not err in granting the bank’s motion to dismiss the homeowner’s complaint because it fails to state a claim upon which relief may be granted.

Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Chancellor Jim Kyle
Shelby County Court of Appeals 03/29/18
State of Tennessee v. Joel Wayne Allen

W2016-01039-CCA-R3-CD

The Defendant, Joel Wayne Allen, appeals his convictions from a jury trial, arguing that the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions and that he received ineffective assistance of counsel. The Defendant filed an untimely notice of appeal, and the interest of justice does not support waiver of the timely filing requirement. Accordingly, we dismiss the appeal.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Charles C. McGinley
Benton County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/29/18
Mark W. Givler v. State of Tennessee

E2017-01517-COA-R3-CV

This case originated when the plaintiff, who was incarcerated in the Tennessee Department of Correction facility at Mountain City, Tennessee, filed a claim against the State of Tennessee (“the State”), alleging that medical professionals at the correctional facility had provided him with untimely and inadequate medical care for a serious heart condition. Finding that the plaintiff’s allegations concerned individuals who were not employed by the State, the Claims Commission (“Commission”) initially dismissed the claim for lack of subject matter jurisdiction. The plaintiff subsequently attempted to file a proposed amendment naming State employees as defendants and then a second claim, resulting in the instant action. The State filed a motion to dismiss, asserting the defense of res judicata. Finding that the plaintiff had misnumbered his proposed amendment to the original claim, the Commission treated the proposed amendment and second claim together as an amended claim. Ultimately determining that the plaintiff had alleged a health care liability action but failed to comply with the statutory prerequisites for such a suit and that he had failed to establish the Commission’s jurisdiction over intentional or criminal acts allegedly committed by State employees, the Commission entered a final order dismissing the action. The plaintiff has appealed. Determining that the plaintiff has failed to comply with Tennessee Rule of Appellate Procedure 27 and Tennessee Court of Appeals Rule 6, we dismiss this appeal.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II
Originating Judge:William O. Shults, Commissioner
Davidson County Court of Appeals 03/29/18
State of Tennessee v. Mattie Florence Sweeney

M2016-02372-CCA-R3-CD

Defendant, Mattie Florence Sweeney, was found guilty of gross neglect of an impaired adult as charged in Count One and guilty of neglect of an impaired adult in Count Two. The trial court merged the two convictions into a single conviction for gross neglect of an impaired adult, and sentenced Defendant to a term of five years “to serve.” After the denial of a motion for new trial, Defendant initiated this appeal. On appeal, Defendant argues: (1) the trial court committed plain error by constructively amending the indictment during the jury charge; (2) the trial court erred by admitting testimony about the victim’s driver’s license record; (3) the trial court erred by admitting lay testimony about the victim’s cough and the condition of his skin; (4) the trial court erred by admitting a photograph of the victim’s buttocks into evidence; and (5) the evidence was insufficient to support the convictions. After a review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Timothy L. Easter
Originating Judge:Judge J. Randall Wyatt, Jr.
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/29/18
State of Tennessee v. Dwight Gossett

W2016-02159-CCA-R3-CD

The Defendant, Dwight Gossett, was convicted in the Shelby County Criminal Court of aggravated sexual battery, a Class B felony, and sentenced by the trial court to twelve years at 100% in the Department of Correction. The sole issue he raises on appeal is whether the evidence was sufficient to sustain his conviction. Following our review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Lee V. Coffee
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/29/18
State of Tennessee v. Deandre Bonds aka Israel El-Elyon

W2016-01549-CCA-R3-CD

The Appellant, Deandre Bonds, aka Israel El-Elyon, was convicted in the Shelby County Criminal Court of one count of driving on a cancelled, suspended, or revoked license, second offense, and one count of evading arrest, both Class A misdemeanors, for which he received a total effective sentence of six months. On appeal, the Appellant contends that the evidence is not sufficient to support the convictions. Based upon our review, we conclude that the judgments of conviction incorrectly note the convictions are Class B misdemeanors; accordingly, the case is remanded to the trial court only for entry of corrected judgments reflecting that the offenses are Class A misdemeanors. The trial court’s judgments are affirmed in all other respects.

Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge James M. Lammey, Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/29/18
Carolyn Crisp v. Michael Nelms, Et Al.

E2017-01044-COA-R3-CV

This appeal arises from a lawsuit over a fatal cycling accident. Carolyn Crisp (“Plaintiff”), surviving spouse of William Andrew Crisp (“Decedent”), sued Michael Nelms (“Nelms”) and George Long (“Long”) (“Defendants,” collectively) in the Circuit Court for Blount County (“the Trial Court”) for negligence. Decedent and four others, including Nelms and Long, were riding as part of a “paceline” group when a crash occurred. Nelms asserted comparative fault, stating that Long slowed down suddenly at the head of the line. Long denied he slowed down suddenly. Defendants filed motions for summary judgment. The Trial Court held, among other things, that paceline cycling inherently is dangerous and that Decedent was at least 50% at fault for his accident. Plaintiff appealed to this Court. We hold, inter alia, that there is a genuine issue of material fact as to whether Long slowed down suddenly at the head of the line and whether a reasonable jury could find Decedent less than 50% at fault in his accident. We reverse the judgment of the Trial Court and remand for the case to proceed.

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Michael Swiney, C.J.
Originating Judge:Judge Rex H. Ogle
Blount County Court of Appeals 03/28/18
In Re McKenzie Z.

M2017-00484-COA-R3-JV

Unmarried father filed a petition to establish parentage and a residential parenting schedule. After father’s parentage was established, the juvenile court set a residential parenting schedule that awarded equal parenting time and ordered the child’s surname changed to a hyphenated version of both parents’ surnames. Mother appealed, arguing that the court erred in fashioning the parenting schedule and in ordering a change of the child’s surname. Upon review, we affirm the residential parenting schedule but vacate that portion of the order directing a change in the child’s surname.

Authoring Judge: Judge W. Neal McBrayer
Originating Judge:Judge Sheila Calloway
Davidson County Court of Appeals 03/27/18
State of Tennessee v. Derek Cullen Lee

E2017-01198-CCA-R3-CD

The Defendant, Derek Cullen Lee, appeals from the Knox County Criminal Court’s denial of his request for judicial diversion. The Defendant contends (1) that the trial court “did not sufficiently weigh all the [required] factors . . . in deciding suitability for diversion”; and (2) that the trial court’s decision to deny his request for judicial diversion was based on the offense that he was convicted of rather than the applicable factors. Discerning no error, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Steven W. Sword
Knox County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/27/18
State of Tennessee v. Brandon Lacy Franklin

M2017-01081-CCA-R3-CD

Defendant, Brandon Lacy Franklin, appeals the trial court’s revocation of his community corrections sentence and imposition of an increased sentence of ten years’ incarceration. Upon our review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Timothy L. Easter
Originating Judge:Judge Mark J. Fishburn
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/27/18
Ronnie Henry v. State of Tennessee

M2017-01612-CCA-R3-HC

Over twelve years ago, Petitioner, Ronnie Henry, was convicted at a jury trial of several counts of robbery involving multiple victims in Shelby County. On direct appeal, this Court affirmed the convictions but remanded for resentencing. State v. Ronnie Henry, No. W2006-00344-CCA-R3-CD, 2008 WL 450459, at *1 (Tenn. Crim. App. Feb. 19, 2008), perm. app. denied (Tenn. Sept. 29, 2008). After resentencing, this Court affirmed Petitioner’s effective seventy-year sentence. State v. Ronnie Henry, No. W2009-00089- CCA-R3-CD, 2009 WL 3103823, at *1 (Tenn. Crim. App. Sept. 28, 2009), no perm. app. filed. Petitioner then unsuccessfully sought post-conviction relief. Ronnie Henry v. State, No. W2014-01786-CCA-R3-PC, 2016 WL 1402951, at *1 (Tenn. Crim. App. Apr. 7, 2016), perm. app. denied, (Tenn. Sept. 26, 2016). Now, Petitioner challenges the habeas corpus court’s summary dismissal of his petition for habeas corpus relief. For the following reasons, we affirm the judgment of the habeas corpus court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Timothy L. Easter
Originating Judge:Judge Robert L. Jones
Wayne County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/27/18
Sabrina Renae Witt v. Erica Christine Witt

E2017-00884-COA-R3-CV

Individual members of the 109th Tennessee General Assembly and the 110th Tennessee General Assembly appeal the order of the Circuit Court for Knox County (“the Trial Court”) denying their motion to intervene in this suit involving the divorce of a same-sex couple and specifically involving the issue of whether the spouse who has no biological or other recognized legal relationship to the parties’ minor child may be considered a parent under Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-3-306 (2013). We find and hold that because all of the issues in the divorce now are final the case has been rendered moot as it has lost its justicability and no longer involves a present, ongoing controversy. We further find and hold that no exceptions to the mootness doctrine apply. As the case is moot, we dismiss this appeal.

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Michael Swiney, C.J.
Originating Judge:Judge Gregory S. McMillian
Knox County Court of Appeals 03/27/18
Quanya Revell Prewitt v. State of Tennessee

M2017-01029-CCA-R3-PC

The Petitioner, Quanya Revell Prewitt, appeals the denial of her petition for postconviction relief from her conviction for possession of dihydrocodeinone in a school zone with intent to sell. She argues that she received ineffective assistance of counsel and that the State committed prosecutorial misconduct. After review, we affirm the denial of the petition.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Cheryl A. Blackburn
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/27/18
State of Tennessee v. Jeffrey A. Jones

M2017-00577-CCA-R3-CD

The Defendant, Jeffery A. Jones, pled guilty in the Williamson County Circuit Court to DUI .08 % or greater, reserving as a certified question of law whether the results of his forced blood draw should have been suppressed because the affidavit in support of the search warrant contained reckless falsities and the form nature of the search warrant and affidavit prevented the magistrate from making an informed judgment as to probable cause. Following our review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph A. Woodruff
Williamson County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/27/18
State of Tennessee v. Christopher James Kirkland

E2017-01188-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Christopher James Kirkland, appeals the revocation of the probationary sentence imposed for his Blount County Circuit Court conviction of the delivery of a controlled substance. Discerning no error, we affirm.

Authoring Judge: Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge David R. Duggan
Blount County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/26/18
State of Tennessee v. Calvin Lyndell Dibrell

E2016-02279-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Calvin Lyndell Dibrell, appeals his Knox County Criminal Court jury convictions of possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell or deliver within a prohibited zone, claiming that the trial court erred by denying his motion to suppress evidence obtained from the search of his vehicle and that the trial court improperly admitted evidence of the defendant’s prior convictions. Because the evidence obtained from the defendant’s vehicle was the result of an illegal search and seizure, the judgments of the trial court are vacated, and the case is dismissed.

Authoring Judge: Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Steven W. Sword
Knox County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/26/18
State of Tennessee v. Calvin Lyndell Dibrell - concurring

E2016-02279-CCA-R3-CD

ROBERT L. HOLLOWAY, JR., J., concurring. I agree with the majority that the defendant was searched without reasonable suspicion, that the evidence should have been suppressed by the trial court,1 and that the judgment of conviction must be vacated and the case dismissed.

Authoring Judge: Judge Robert L. Holloway, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Steven W. Sword
Knox County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/26/18
State of Tennessee v. Adam Davis

M2017-00293-CCA-R3-CD

Following a bench trial, the Defendant-Appellant, Adam Davis, was convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual battery, a Class B felony. See T.C.A. § 39-13-504. The trial court sentenced him as a Range I, standard offender to a concurrent term of eight years’ imprisonment. The sole issue presented for our review is whether the evidence is sufficient to support his convictions. After a thorough review of the record and briefs, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Camille R. McMullen
Originating Judge:Judge William R. Goodman, III
Montgomery County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/26/18
Steven O. Hughes-Mabry v. Randy Lee, Warden and the State of Tennessee

E2017-01652-CCA-R3-ECN

The Petitioner, appeals from the Sullivan County Criminal Court’s summary dismissal of his petition for a writ of error coram nobis. The Petitioner contends that the coram nobis court erred by summarily dismissing his petition as having been untimely filed and for failing to state a cognizable claim for relief. Following our review, we agree with the coram nobis court that the Petitioner is attempting to relitigate the denial of his pretrial suppression motion. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the coram nobis court.

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge William K. Rogers
Sullivan County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/23/18
State of Tennessee v. Thomas Louis Moore

E2017-01236-CCA-R3-CD

The Defendant, Thomas Louis Moore, appeals as of right from the Bradley County Criminal Court’s revocation of his probation and order of incarceration for the remainder of his ten-year sentence. The Defendant contends that the trial court abused its discretion in ordering execution of his sentence. Following our review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Andrew M. Freiberg
Bradley County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/23/18
Jacinto Machic v. Chrissy M. Machic

E2017-01477-COA-R3-CV

This appeal arises from a final decree of divorce. Mother appeals, contending the trial court erred in designating Father as the Primary Residential Parent and awarding the majority of parenting time to Father; she also challenges the division of the martial property. Because the trial court made no findings of fact and the statement of the evidence is inadequate, we have determined that we cannot conduct an appropriate appellate review of the issues raised. Accordingly, the judgment of the trial court is vacated and this matter is remanded for the trial court to, inter alia, comply with the mandate in Tenn. R. Civ. P. 52.01, which states that “the [trial] court shall find the facts specially and shall state separately its conclusions of law and direct the entry of the appropriate judgment.”

Authoring Judge: Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Larry Michael Warner
Cumberland County Court of Appeals 03/23/18
Joseph Sweat v. City of McMinnville

M2017-01141-COA-R3-CV

The plaintiff, a former firefighter with the City of McMinnville Fire Department, brought this retaliatory discharge claim against his previous employer under the Tennessee Public Protection Act. The City filed a motion for summary judgment arguing that the plaintiff was unable to prove that the City’s proffered reason for the discharge was pretextual. Finding no genuine dispute, the trial court granted the motion and dismissed the complaint. We affirm.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Larry B. Stanley, Jr.
Warren County Court of Appeals 03/23/18
Valentino L. Dyer v. State of Tennessee

E2017-00213-CCA-R3-PC

The Petitioner, Valentino L. Dyer, appeals from the denial of his petition for postconviction relief, wherein he challenged his convictions for especially aggravated robbery and aggravated burglary. See Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-13-403, -14-403. In this appeal as of right, the Petitioner alleges that trial counsel was ineffective in the following ways: (1) by failing to object to the State’s deficient notice seeking enhanced punishment, thereby causing the Petitioner to be confused regarding the State’s plea offer and factoring into his decision to reject the fifteen-year offer; (2) by failing to negotiate a more favorable plea offer from the State due to his “improper understanding of the Petitioner’s criminal convictions”; (3) by failing to prepare the Petitioner to testify at trial; (4) by failing to visit the crime scene; (5) by failing to object to two photographs of the machete used during the break-in; (6) by failing to argue that the victim did not suffer serious bodily injury; (7) by failing to discuss with the Petitioner “any mitigating factors or the sentencing hearing” prior to the hearing itself; (8) by failing to subpoena or call witnesses on the Petitioner’s behalf at the sentencing hearing; and (9) “all other reasons set forth in the petition and amended petition for post-conviction relief.” Following a review of the record, all but one of the Petitioner’s issues are waived due to an inadequate brief, and the single issue properly presented for review lacks merit. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge J.Curtis Smith
Rhea County Court of Criminal Appeals 03/22/18
Theresa Aileen Blount v. Howard Paul Blount, III

E2017-00243-COA-R3-CV

This case involves a post-divorce petition seeking military retirement benefits not allocated at the time of the divorce. The trial court awarded Theresa Aileen Blount (Wife) the requested benefits over the objection of her former spouse, Howard Paul Blount, III (Husband). The trial court also awarded Wife attorney’s fees in the amount of $6,000. Husband appeals. Wife raises her own issues. She seeks additional attorney’s fees; an award of travel expenses; and a remand to the trial court for the purpose of calculating Wife’s entitlement in accordance with the “retained jurisdiction method.” We affirm the trial court’s order granting benefits. We remand the case to the trial court for the purpose of (1) determining the appropriate valuation method for calculating Wife’s benefits and (2) thereafter describing each party’s respective legal interest in Husband’s military pension.

Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Dennis W. Humphrey
Roane County Court of Appeals 03/22/18