State of Tennessee v. Dickie Ray Bain
M2012-01533-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Dickie Ray Bain, pled guilty in the DeKalb County Circuit Court to theft of property valued $1,000 or more, a Class D felony, and the trial court sentenced him as a Range III, career offender to twelve years to be served at sixty percent. On appeal, the appellant contends that the trial court committed reversible error by referring to the wrong offense during the sentencing hearing and that his sentence constitutes “cruel and unusual punishment.” Based upon the record and the parties’ briefs, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Leon C. Burns, Jr. |
DeKalb County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/17/13 | |
State of Tennessee v. Demetrius D. Walton
M2012-02610-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Demetrius D. Walton, pled guilty in the Montgomery County Circuit Court to one count of reckless aggravated assault. The trial court sentenced the appellant as a Range II, multiple offender to seven years in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the appellant challenges the sentence imposed by the trial court and the trial court’s denial of his motion to reduce his sentence. Upon review, we affirm the length of the sentence imposed. However, we must remand to the trial court for a correction of the judgment to reflect that the appellant was sentenced as a Range II, multiple offender who was to serve a minimum of thirty-five percent of his sentence in confinement before being eligible for release.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Michael R. Jones |
Montgomery County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/17/13 | |
In Re: Jamontez S., Timothy S., Janiya S., Montique S., Ann'Dreona S. K., and Shacariah S. K.
M2013-00796-COA-R3-PT
Mother of six children appeals termination of her parental rights, contending that the evidence does not support the court’s holding that she abandoned the children within the meaning of the applicable statute, that she failed to comply with the requirements of permanency plans, that the conditions which led to the removal of the children from her custody persisted, and that termination of her parental rights was in the children’s best interest. Finding no error, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Richard H. Dinkins
Originating Judge:Judge Sophia Crawford |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 09/17/13 | |
David G. Housler, Jr. v. State of Tennessee
M2010-02183-CCA-R3-PC
The Petitioner, David G. Housler, Jr., filed petitions for post-conviction relief and writ of error coram nobis in the Montgomery County Circuit Court, seeking relief from his convictions for four counts of felony murder and resulting consecutive sentences of life in confinement. After an evidentiary hearing, the post-conviction court granted the petitions. On appeal, the State contends that the court erred by finding that the Petitioner was entitled to any relief. Based upon the oral arguments, the record, and the parties’ briefs, we affirm the post-conviction court’s granting the petition for post-conviction relief but conclude that the court erred by granting the petition for writ of error coram nobis. Nevertheless, because the Petitioner has shown that he is entitled to post-conviction relief based upon his receiving the ineffective assistance of counsel at trial, the case is remanded to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge John H. Gasaway, III |
Montgomery County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/17/13 | |
Michelle Jayne Adams v. James Earl Adams, III
M2013-00577-COA-R3-CV
This is an appeal from a “Final Decree of Divorce.” Because the decree does not resolve all the claims between the parties, we dismiss the appeal for lack of a final judgment.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Judge Stella L. Hargrove |
Maury County | Court of Appeals | 09/17/13 | |
Kenneth E. Diggs v. LaSalle National Bank Association, et al.
W2013-01121-COA-R3-CV
This appeal results from the trial court’s dismissal of a complaint on the basis of res judicata. However, in his appellate brief, the Appellant fails to raise as an issue the trial court's application of the doctrine of res judicata, or the resulting dismissal. Because the Appellant’s brief fails to raise and argue the dispositive issue in this case and does not otherwise comply with the requirements of the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure, we decline to address the merits of the case and dismiss the appeal.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Steven Stafford
Originating Judge:Chancellor Arnold B. Goldin |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 09/17/13 | |
Rick P. Newman v. The Kroger Company
W2013-00296-COA-R3-CV
This is a slip and fall case. Plaintiff sued The Kroger Company after he fell in a puddle of water near a freezer at a local Kroger store. The trial court granted Kroger’s motion for summary judgment, but failed to include findings indicating the reason for its decision. We find that summary judgment was inappropriate and therefore reverse the trial court’s decision and remand for further proceedings.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Judge Robert Samual Weiss |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 09/17/13 | |
David Allen Lackey v. State of Tennessee
M2012-01482-CCA-R3-PC
The petitioner, David Allen Lackey, appeals the determination of the post-conviction court that due process did not mandate a waiver of the statute of limitations. The petitioner is currently serving a life sentence in the Department of Correction following his conviction for first degree murder and theft of property valued under $500. Following a direct appeal, the petitioner filed an untimely petition for post-conviction relief. After the petition was denied by the post-conviction court, this court remanded the case for a determination of whether the petitioner’s due process rights required that the statute of limitations be tolled. After a hearing, the post-conviction court determined that the petitioner had failed to carry his burden of establishing his right to a tolling of the statute of limitations and dismissed the petition. The petitioner contends that the court’s determination was error. Following review of the record, we affirm the dismissal of the petition as untimely.
Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Seth Norman |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/17/13 | |
Larry Echols v. City of Memphis
W2013-00410-COA-R3-CV
A twenty-year veteran of the Memphis Police Department was terminated based upon his involvement with a private security company, in violation of departmental policies, and his untruthfulness during the department’s investigation. The officer filed a petition for review in chancery court, and the chancery court upheld his termination. The officer appeals, arguing that the chancery court should have allowed him to introduce evidence of another officer who was treated differently, in violation of his equal protection rights. He also argues that he was impermissibly punished twice for the same conduct. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Judge Arnold B. Goldin |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 09/16/13 | |
In the Matter of: Connor S. L.
W2013-00668-COA-R3-JV
In this second appeal of a child custody decision, Father argues that the trial court erred in naming Mother primary residential parent and in fashioning the permanent parenting plan. We conclude that the trial court did not abuse its discretion with regard to either the custody or parenting time decisions, and therefore, affirm the decision of the trial court. Affirmed and remanded.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Steven Stafford
Originating Judge:Judge Robert W. Newell |
Carroll County | Court of Appeals | 09/16/13 | |
Stephanie Christmon Leeper v. Keith Anthony Leeper
E2012-02544-COA-R3-CV
This is a post-divorce appeal. In this second appeal, the appellant challenges the trial court's ruling on his obligation as to certain expenses. After a careful review of the record, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Judge Thomas J. Wright |
Washington County | Court of Appeals | 09/13/13 | |
Tracy Hepburn v. Corrections Corporation of America, et al.
W2013-00672-COA-R3-CV
Because the order appealed is not a final judgment, we dismiss this appeal for lack of jurisdiction.
Authoring Judge: Per Curiam
Originating Judge:Judge J. Weber McCraw |
Hardeman County | Court of Appeals | 09/13/13 | |
Tyrone E. Montgomery v. State of Tennessee, et al
E2011-02629-CCA-R3-HC
In this consolidated appeal, the pro se petitioner, Tyrone E. Montgomery, appeals as of right from the Hamilton County Criminal Court and the Morgan County Circuit Court’s orders denying his petitions for writs of habeas corpus. In case number E2011- 2629-CCA-R3-HC, the State has filed a motion requesting that this court affirm the trial court’s denial of relief pursuant to Rule 20 of the Rules of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals. Following our review, we conclude that the State’s motion is well-taken and affirm the judgment of the Hamilton County Criminal Court. Because the petitions raise identical claims, we also affirm the judgment of the Morgan County Circuit Court pursuant to Rule 20 of the Rules of the Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Don W. Poole |
Hamilton County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/13/13 | |
Lesa C. Williams, et al. v. Renard A. Hirsch, Sr.
M2012-01996-COA-R3-CV
The trial court awarded partial summary judgment to both parties in this dispute over the division of attorney’s fees. We affirm the trial court’s holding that Tennessee law, and not the “modern rule” is applicable to this case as a matter of law. We reverse the trial court’s awards of summary judgment to both parties on the remaining issues, and remand for further proceedings.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Judge Hamilton V. Gayden, Jr. |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 09/13/13 | |
State of Tennessee v. Ladarius Devonte Maxwell
W2012-00729-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, Ladarius Devonte Maxwell, challenges his jury convictions for two counts of attempted second degree murder, a Class B felony, and two counts of aggravated assault, a Class C felony, alleging that the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions and that the trial court improperly imposed consecutive sentencing. After a thorough examination of the record and the applicable authorities, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge D. Kelly Thomas
Originating Judge:Judge Donald H. Allen |
Madison County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/13/13 | |
State of Tennessee v. Kwane Morris
W2011-02339-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, Kwane Morris, was convicted by a Shelby County jury of facilitation of first degree murder and received a twenty-two-year sentence for that conviction. In this direct appeal, the Defendant contends that (1) the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress his statement to the police that was involuntary and coerced; (2) the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction; (3) the trial court erred by limiting his cross-examination of a State’s witness for possible bias; and (4) the trial court erred by failing to give a jury instruction on accomplice testimony. Following our review of the record and the applicable authorities, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge D. Kelly Thomas
Originating Judge:Judge Carolyn Wade Blackett |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/13/13 | |
Daylon Demetric Roberts v. David Sexton, Warden
E2013-01034-CCA-R3-HC
Petitioner, Daylon Demetric Roberts, appeals the Johnson County Criminal Court’s summary dismissal of his petition for writ of habeas corpus regarding his convictions for first degree felony murder. The trial court merged the convictions into one judgment and sentenced petitioner to life imprisonment. State v. Daylon Demetric Roberts, No. 03C01-9403-CR-00117, 1994 WL 540555, at *1 (Tenn. Crim. App. Oct. 5, 1994), perm. app. denied (Tenn. Mar. 6, 1995). Petitioner argues that the judgment of the trial court was void due to a defective indictment. The State filed a motion to dismiss asserting that petitioner’s indictment was legally sufficient. The habeas corpus court granted the State’s motion and dismissed the petition. Following our review, we affirm the judgment of the habeas corpus court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Roger A. Page
Originating Judge:Judge Lynn W. Brown |
Johnson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/13/13 | |
State of Tennessee v. Jeremy Mulkey
E2012-02337-CCA-R3-CD
Pursuant to Rule 3 of the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure, the State appeals the manner of service of the sentence ordered by the Criminal Court for McMinn County. As a Range I, standard offender, the Defendant, Jeremy Mulkey, entered a plea of guilty to vandalism of $1,000 or more but less than $10,000, a Class D felony, vandalism of $10,000 or more but less than $60,000, a Class C felony, and reckless endangerment, a Class E felony. The trial court sentenced the Defendant, consistent with the plea agreement, to concurrent terms of four years for Class D felony vandalism; four years for Class C felony vandalism and two years for reckless endangerment. After conducting a sentencing hearing, the trial court ordered the Defendant to serve his sentence in the community corrections program. In doing so, the State argues that the trial court abused its discretion because the Defendant pleaded guilty to reckless endangerment, a crime against the person, and therefore, failed to meet the minimum statutory requirements to be sentenced under the Community Corrections Act. Tenn. Code Ann. § 40-36-106 (2012). Upon review, we reverse and remand for resentencing.
Authoring Judge: Judge Camille R. McMullen
Originating Judge:Judge Amy A. Reedy |
McMinn County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/12/13 | |
Michael M. Shofner v. Eddie Mahaffey v. Midstate Finance Company, Inc.
M2012-02061-COA-R3-CV
A trial court granted Third-Party Defendant’s motion to dismiss for failure to prosecute where Third-PartyPlaintiff took no steps to pursue his claims against Third-PartyDefendant more than six years after Third-PartyPlaintiff was granted a new trial, and where Third-Party Plaintiff failed to comply with the trial court’s scheduling order, thereby causing additional delays. Third-Party Plaintiff appealed, and we affirm the trial court’s judgment. Trial courts have broad discretionary authority to control their dockets and proceedings, and the court here did not abuse its discretion in dismissing Third-Party Plaintiff’s complaint against Third-Party Defendant.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Judge J. Curtis Smith |
Bedford County | Court of Appeals | 09/12/13 | |
State of Tennessee v. George Andrew Stanhope
M2011-00272-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, George Andrew Stanhope, was indicted for first degree premeditated murder, three counts of first degree felony murder, theft of property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000, aggravated burglary, and aggravated rape. See Tenn. Code Ann. §§ 39-13-202, -13-502, -14-103, -14-105(a)(3), -14-403. Following a jury trial, the Defendant was convicted of first degree premeditated murder, two counts of first degree felony murder, theft of property valued at $1,000 or more but less than $10,000, and aggravated burglary. The jury acquitted the Defendant of the charge of aggravated rape and one count of first degree felony murder. The trial court merged the two first degree felony murder convictions with the first degree premeditated murder conviction. The jury imposed a sentence of life without the possibility of parole for the first degree premeditated murder conviction. The trial court held a sentencing hearing on the remaining convictions and imposed a sentence of six years for the aggravated burglary conviction and a sentence of four years for the theft conviction. The trial court ordered the sentences to be served consecutive to each other and to the sentence for the first degree premeditated murder conviction, for an effective sentence of life without the possibility of parole plus ten years. In this appeal as of right, the Defendant contends (1) that the trial court erred in denying the Defendant’s motion to suppress statements he made to the police; (2) that the trial court erred by not allowing defense counsel to review the personnel file of a former police detective; (3) that the in-court security around the Defendant was excessive and gave the jury the impression that he was in custody; (4) that the evidence was insufficient to sustain the Defendant’s convictions; (5) that the trial court erred by not merging the Defendant’s convictions for theft and aggravated burglary; (6) that the statutory aggravating circumstance of the victim’s age was unconstitutional; (7) that a new trial was warranted because one of the jurors failed to disclose her relationship with the court clerk during voir dire; and (8) that the Defendant was entitled to a new trial due to cumulative error. Discerning no error, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Timothy L. Easter |
Hickman County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/12/13 | |
Danny Ray Grooms v. City of Trenton, Tennessee, et al.
W2012-01872-WC-R3-WC
The employee, a sanitation worker, was struck in the groin area when he fell onto a bed frame. Within a few days, he developed swelling and infection of same. His treating physician testified that the condition was not caused by the work injury, and an evaluating physician testified that the employee’s condition was consistent with the injury. The trial court found that the swelling and infection were not related to the work injury and dismissed employee’s complaint. The employee appealed. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Tony A. Childress
Originating Judge:Chancellor George R. Ellis |
Gibson County | Workers Compensation Panel | 09/12/13 | |
Gorge A. Rubio v. Geneva Vaughn, et al.
W2013-00677-COA-R3-CV
Appellant’s failure to timely file a notice of appeal deprives this court of jurisdiction to hear the matter and this appeal must be dismissed.
Authoring Judge: Per Curiam
Originating Judge:Judge William C. Cole |
Hardeman County | Court of Appeals | 09/12/13 | |
Jeffrey Matthew Brown v. Jennifer Lindsey (Williams) Brown
W2013-00263-COA-R3-CV
Husband filed a petition pursuant to Rule 60.02 to set aside a provision of the parties’ divorce decree that required him to pay $80,000 to Wife in accordance with an antenuptial agreement. He sought relief under Rule 60.02(2) for fraud, misrepresentation, or other misconduct of an adverse party. The trial court denied Husband’s petition and “confirmed” the divorce decree. We find that the trial court applied an incorrect legal standard, and as a result, it did not properly exercise its discretion. We also find that Wife’s conduct constituted misrepresentation or other misconduct within the meaning of Rule 60.02(2). Accordingly, we reverse the trial court’s order denying Husband’s Rule 60 petition and we vacate the challenged portion of the divorce decree.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Judge Ron Harmon |
Hardin County | Court of Appeals | 09/12/13 | |
State of Tennessee v. Dusty Ross Binkley
M2013-00164-CCA-R3-HC
The Petitioner, Dusty Ross Binkley, pled guilty to manufacture of methamphetamine and possession of a weapon in the commission of a dangerous felony. The trial court sentenced the Petitioner to an eight-year sentence to be served on community corrections. The Petitioner’s community corrections officer filed a violation warrant, and, after a hearing, the trial court revoked the Petitioner’s community corrections sentence, finding that he had violated the terms of his sentence, and ordered him to serve the remainder of his sentence in confinement, to run consecutively with his sentence in another county on an unrelated charge. The Petitioner filed a pro se petition for a writ of habeas corpus, which the habeas court summarily dismissed. On appeal, the Petitioner contends that the habeas court erred by summarily dismissing his petition. After a thorough review of the record and applicable law, we affirm the habeas corpus court’s judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Steve Dozier |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 09/12/13 | |
Jeffrey Matthew Brown v. Jennifer Lindsey (Williams) Brown - Dissenting
W2013-00263-COA-R3-CV
For the reasons discussed below, I must respectfully dissent from the majority’s opinion in this case.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Steven Stafford
Originating Judge:Judge Ron Harmon |
Hardin County | Court of Appeals | 09/12/13 |