APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

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Corry Tyrone Owens v. State of Tennessee

W2011-01622-CCA-R3-PC

The Petitioner, Corry Tyrone Owens, pled guilty to theft of property valued over $1,000. The trial court sentenced the Petitioner, pursuant to a plea agreement, to ten years of incarceration, to be served at 45%. The Petitioner filed a petition for post-conviction relief, alleging that he had received the ineffective assistance of counsel, and the post-conviction court dismissed the petition after holding a hearing. On appeal, the Petitioner contends that he received the ineffective assistance of counsel. After a thorough review of the record and applicable authorities, we affirm the post-conviction court’s dismissal of his petition.

Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker III
Tipton County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/29/12
Covered Bridge Resort on Waldens Creek, LLC v. Johnson, Murrell & Associates, P.C. et al

E2011-01437-COA-R9-CV

Covered Bridge Resort on Waldens Creek, LLC (“Seller”) sold its interest in an ongoing resort development to Tennessee Covered Bridge, LLC (“Purchaser”). Seller agreed to finance the sale and Purchaser agreed to secure the debt with a mortgage on the property. Mountain National Bank (“the Bank”) agreed to loan Purchaser money to continue development of the property but required that its mortgage be in a first position. Seller agreed to subordinate its mortgage with the understanding that the members of Purchaser would personally guarantee the debt to Seller. Attorneys Charlie R. Johnson and Sherri E. Case of the firm of Johnson, Murrell & Associates, P.C. (collectively “the Lawyers”) prepared the documents and handled the closing. Purchaser soon defaulted and Seller learned that Purchaser’s members had refused to execute the guaranties. Seller filed this action against the Bank, the Lawyers and Purchaser . When Seller took the deposition of the Bank’s loan officer, the Bank, through counsel, instructed him not to answer several categories of questions on the ground of privilege. Seller filed a motion to compel which the trial court granted upon finding that the information at issue was not privileged. The trial court granted permission for an interlocutory appeal. This Court agreed to hear the appeal. We now affirm the order of the trial court (1) granting the motion to compel and (2) holding the Bank’s motion for summary judgment in abeyance pending completion of discovery.

Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Lawrence H. Puckett
Sevier County Court of Appeals 06/29/12
Signature Designs Group, LLC v. Wayne Ramko and Donna Ramko

M2011-01086-COA-R3-CV

This case involves an alleged breach of a construction contract. The plaintiff contractor entered into a fixed priced contract to build a custom home for the defendant homeowners. During the construction, the contractor told the homeowners that the project was under budget, and that they could apply the cushion in the budget toward upgrades. Many upgrades and additions outside the scope of the original contract were made. The project ended up over budget, and the homeowners refused to pay more than the fixed price of the contract. The contractor filed this lawsuit, alleging breach of contract. The homeowners counterclaimed for breach of contract, violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, and fraudulent and/or negligent misrepresentation. After a bench trial, the trial court awarded the contractor some of the upgrade costs and dismissed the homeowners’ counterclaims. The homeowners now appeal. We reverse the award for the cost of the upgrades and remand for specific findings as to each upgrade or addition. In all other respects, the trial court’s order is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Chancellor Robert E. Corlew, III
Rutherford County Court of Appeals 06/29/12
Davidson Taylor v. State of Tennessee

W2011-00979-CCA-R3-PC

Davidson Taylor (“the Petitioner”) filed for post-conviction relief from his convictions for evading arrest in a motor vehicle and driving under the influence. In his petition, he alleged that he received ineffective assistance of counsel at trial. After an evidentiary hearing, the post-conviction court denied the petition. The Petitioner appeals, arguing that the postconviction court erred in denying his petition. On appeal, the Petitioner asserts that his trial counsel: (1) failed to advise the Petitioner properly regarding his right to testify; and (2) failed to request a continuance once trial counsel learned of a death in his family. After a careful review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jeffrey S. Bivins
Originating Judge:Judge W. Otis Higgs Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/29/12
In Re: Shyann B.

E2011-01740-COA-R3-JV

This is an adoption case involving Shyann B. (“the Child”) (DOB: April 11, 2005). We are asked to decide a jurisdictional question. At an earlier time, a juvenile court adjudicated the Child dependent and neglected. She was placed in the custody of the Department of Children’s Services (“DCS”) and placed by it in the foster care of Teresa S. (“Foster Mother”). Louis F. B. (“Uncle”), the Child’s maternal great uncle, had also sought custody, but his petition was ultimately denied. After the parental rights of the Child’s biological parents were terminated, Foster Mother filed a petition to adopt in the 1 trial court. Uncle responded with a counterclaim seeking to intervene and adopt, or, in the alternative, to obtain custody of the Child. At trial, Foster Mother took a voluntary nonsuit of her adoption petition and, on the same day, refiled a petition for adoption in the Chancery Court for Greene County. In the trial court, Uncle contended that the trial court retained jurisdiction to adjudicate his counterclaim for custody. The trial court found that, by virtue of Foster Mother’s filing in chancery court, jurisdiction over the Child was then in chancery court. Accordingly, the trial court entered a judgment reciting “this cause is hereby dismissed.” Uncle appeals. We affirm.

Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Kindall T. Lawson
Greene County Court of Appeals 06/29/12
Jennifer Ferrari-Bullock v. Justin Randall

M2011-01528-COA-R3-CV

This appeal involves an order of protection obtained by Wife against Husband in 2009 and the extension of that order of protection in 2010. We find no basis for Rule 60 relief with respect to the original order of protection. As to the child support provisions in the amended order of protection, we vacate and remand for a determination consistent with the child support guidelines.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Judge Carol Soloman
Davidson County Court of Appeals 06/28/12
State of Tennessee v. Isaac McDonald Jr.

W2011-01233-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Isaac McDonald, Jr., was convicted by a jury of attempted aggravated rape, a Class B felony, and sentenced to serve twelve years in prison. On appeal, the defendant contends that the evidence at trial was insufficient to prove his guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. After a thorough review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Roger A. Page
Madison County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
VFS Leasing v. Bric Constructors, LLC et al.

M2011-01894-COA-R3-CV

Secured party brought action against debtors and guarantors, seeking recovery of deficiency which remained after sale of collateral. The trial court granted summary judgment to secured party. Because genuine issues of material fact preclude summary judgment, we reverse.

Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Judge Jeffrey S. Bivins
Williamson County Court of Appeals 06/28/12
State of Tennessee v. Deney Brockman

W2011-01939-CCA-R3-CD

Deney Brockman (“the Defendant”) was convicted by a jury of burglary of a building other than a habitation. After a hearing, the trial court sentenced the Defendant as a career offender to twelve years in the Tennessee Department of Correction. In this appeal, the Defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence supporting his conviction. Upon our thorough review of the record and applicable law, we hold that the evidence is sufficient to support the Defendant’s conviction. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jeffrey S. Bivins
Originating Judge:Judge James C. Beasley Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
Luke Nasgovitz v. Gail Ann Nasgovitz

M2010-02606-COA-R3-CV

The father of an eight year old girl filed a petition for divorce from the child’s mother. After the petition was filed, the court entered a standard restraining order, which among other things prohibited either party from relocating with a minor child outside the state without the permission of the other party or an order of the court. The wife asked the court to name her as the child’s primary residential parent and to allow her to relocate with the child to St. Louis,because that city offered her better employment prospects than did MiddleTennessee. The father opposed the mother’s request to relocate, and he asked the court to divide parenting time equally. After a three day trial, the court ruled that the mother’s proposed relocation was unreasonable and pretextual and that it was in the child’s best interest that the mother be named the primary residential parent, with the mother and child remaining in Tennessee. The mother argues on appeal that the trial court should have allowed her to relocate with the child because the criteria set out in the relocation statute, Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-6-108, did not preclude her from doing so. We affirm the trial court’s denial of the petition to relocate with the child.
 

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Judge Royce Taylor
Rutherford County Court of Appeals 06/28/12
Michael Panzini v. State of Tennessee

E2011-01497-CCA-R3-HC

The Petitioner, Michael Panzini, pled guilty to aggravated sexual battery, and the trial court sentenced him to ten years, to be served at 100%. The record contains two judgments of conviction, one provided by the State and one provided by the Petitioner. The judgment form in the official court file indicates the box on the judgment form showing the Petitioner was sentenced to community supervision for life as checked. The judgment submitted by the Petitioner does not contain that check mark. The Petitioner filed a petition for habeas corpus relief, contending that his sentence was illegal because he was not sentenced to community supervision for life. The trial court dismissed the petition. On appeal, the Petitioner contends that his original judgment of conviction did not include community supervision for life as required by statute and that his judgment was modified without notice, a hearing, or an order. After a thorough review of the record and applicable authorities, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood
Knox County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
Tony Holmes v. State of Tennessee

W2011-02524-CCA-R3-PC

A Shelby County jury convicted petitioner, Tony Holmes, of one count of first degree premeditated murder and one count of attempted first degree premeditated murder. The jury sentenced him to life in prison for first degree murder, and the trial court sentenced him as a repeat violent offender to life in prison without the possibility of parole for attempted first degree premeditated murder, to be served consecutively. Following an unsuccessful direct appeal to this court, he filed a petition for post-conviction relief alleging that appellate counsel was ineffective for failing to argue that the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress an eyewitness’s identification of him. He also contended in his petition that trial counsel was ineffective for improperly making personal attacks against the prosecutor during closing arguments, for failing to impeach witnesses with their prior criminal convictions, and for failing to impeach a witness with her prior inconsistent statement to police. Discerning no error, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Roger A. Page
Originating Judge:Judge James C. Beasley Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
In Re: Jena P.

M2011-02605-COA-R3-PT

A mother appeals the termination of her parental rights to one child. The trial court found two groundsfortermination,abandonmentby wantondisregard and persistence of conditions leading to the child’s removal from the mother’s home.The trial court also found termination was in the child’s best interest. The record contains evidence that clearly and convincingly established the ground of persistent conditions and that termination is in the child’s best interest; therefore, we affirm the termination of the mother’s parental rights.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Donna Scott Davenport
Rutherford County Court of Appeals 06/28/12
State of Tennessee v. Robert Lee Vandergriff, Jr.

E2010-02560-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Robert Lee Vandergriff, Jr., was convicted of driving while intoxicated, a Class A misdemeanor, by a Union County jury. He was sentenced to a term of eleven months and twenty-nine days, all of which was suspended but for eight days service in the county jail. On appeal, the defendant’s single contention of error is that the trial court erred by failing to grant his motion to suppress. Specifically, he asserts this decision was error because he was seized without reasonable suspicion. Following review of the record, we affirm the denial of the motion to suppress.

Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge E. Shayne Sexton
Union County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
State of Tennessee v. James Eric Hurd

W2011-01232-CCA-R3-CD

Following a jury trial, the defendant was convicted of two counts of aggravated sexual battery and was sentenced to twelve years’ imprisonment for each count, to be run concurrently, with a fine of $25,000 for the first count and a fine of $15,000 for the second count. On appeal, the defendant’s sole issue is the contention that the evidence at trial was insufficient to support the verdict. After a thorough review of the record, we conclude that the evidence is sufficient and affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Roy B. Morgan Jr.
Madison County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
Brenda W. Sneyd v. Washington County, Tennessee

E2011-01964-COA-R3-CV

Plaintiff, Clerk and Master of Chancery Court, brought this action for an increase in compensation based on Tenn. Code. Ann. §8-24-102(j), which authorizes the County to increase the compensation for a clerk if the clerk is the clerk of two courts. Defendant County gave the Circuit Court Clerk a 10% increase in compensation pursuant to the statute, but denied the Clerk and Master a 10% increase in her compensation under the statute. The Trial Court held that the County did not abuse its discretion in denying the Clerk and Master the statutory increase in compensation. On appeal, we affirm.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel Pickens Franks
Originating Judge:Judge Walter C. Kurtz
Washington County Court of Appeals 06/28/12
Mikel Shane Hutto v. Cherry Lindamood, Warden

W2011-02451-CCA-R3-HC

The Petitioner, Mikel Shane Hutto, appeals the Hardeman County Circuit Court’s summary dismissal of his petition for writ of habeas corpus, alleging that he failed to receive statutorily mandated pretrial jail credits for his sentences, thereby rendering the confinement illegal. Upon review, we affirm the judgment of the habeas corpus court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Camille R. McMullen
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker III
Hardeman County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
Stephen Lee Scott v. State of Tennessee

M2011-00539-CCA-R3-PC

The Petitioner-Appellant, Stephen Lee Scott, appeals the denial of post-conviction relief, contending that he received the ineffective assistance of counsel in connection with his guilty plea because counsel misinformed him regarding the elements of felony murder. Upon review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Camille R. McMullen
Originating Judge:Judge Monte Watkins
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
State of Tennessee v. Jason Charles Austin

E2010-00796-CCA-R3-CD

Appellant, Jason Charles Austin, was indicted by a Washington County grand jury for one count of first-degree murder. After a jury trial, he was convicted of the lesser-included offense of second-degree murder and subsequently sentenced to twenty-three years. On appeal, Appellant argues that: (1) the trial court erred by allowing Appellant’s case to be severed from the case of his co-defendant; (2) the State violated Appellant’s rights under the Tennessee and United States Constitutions; (3) the trial court erred in concluding that Christina Boone was a hostile witness and allowing the State to examine her with regard to her previous statement made to the police; (4) the trial court erred in denying Appellant’s motion to dismiss the indictment based upon the loss of key evidence; (5) the State violated the Rule of Exclusion; (6) the trial court erred by refusing Appellant’s request to call a surrebuttal witness; (7) the trial court erred in instructing the jury that guilt may be inferred from evidence of flight and from concealment of evidence; (8) the trial court erred by imposing a twenty-three-year sentence; and (9) Appellant was denied a fair trial because of cumulative error. Following our review of the record, we find no reversible error and affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge R. Jerry Beck
Washington County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
Michael Lindsey v. Joe Easterling, Warden

W2011-01897-CCA-R3-HC

Michael Lindsey (“the Petitioner”), pro se, filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus, alleging that the sentence on his second degree murder conviction is illegal, and therefore, his judgment of conviction was void. The habeas corpus court denied relief without a hearing. The Petitioner then filed this appeal. Upon our thorough review of the record and applicable law, we affirm the judgment of the habeas corpus court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jeffrey S. Bivins
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker III
Hardeman County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
State of Tennessee v. Justin Alexander DeWeese

M2011-00534-CCA-R3-CD

Upon a plea of guilty, Defendant, Justin Alexander Deweese, was convicted of child abuse of a child eight years of age or less, in violation of Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-15401(a), a Class D felony. He submitted to the trial court to determine the length and manner of service of his sentence. After a hearing, the trial court ordered a three-year sentence of confinement. Defendant has appealed, asserting that he should receive a totally suspended sentence to be served on probation. He does not challenge the length of the sentence. Having fully reviewed the record and the briefs of the parties, we affirm the judgment of the trial court by memorandum opinion.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Lee Russell
Bedford County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
State of Tennessee v. Michael Alvin Young

E2012-00726-CCA-RM-CD

A Sullivan County jury convicted the Defendant, Michael Alvin Young, of aggravated kidnapping and domestic assault. The trial court merged the two convictions and sentenced the Defendant to eight years and six months in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the Defendant contended that the evidence was insufficient to support his aggravated kidnapping conviction and that he received the ineffective assistance of counsel at trial. After a thorough review of the record and the applicable law, this Court affirmed the trial court’s judgment. See State v. Michael AlvinYoung, No. E2010-00849-CCA-R3-CD, 2011 WL 5517281 (Tenn. Crim. App., at Knoxville, Nov. 9, 2011). The Defendant filed a Rule 11 application, pursuant to the Tennessee Rules of Appellate Procedure, to the Tennessee Supreme Court. Our Supreme Court granted the application and remanded the case to this Court for reconsideration in light of State v. Jason Lee White, 362 S.W.3d 559 (Tenn. 2012). After considering the facts and circumstances of this case as compared to those in White, we again affirm the trial court’s judgment.

Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Robert H. Montgomery
Sullivan County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
Joe Eddie Maclin v. State of Tennessee

W2011-01112-CCA-R3-PC

The Petitioner-Appellant, Joe Eddie Maclin, appeals the denial of post-conviction relief, contending that he did not enter his guilty plea knowingly and voluntarily due to the ineffective assistance of counsel. Upon review, we affirm the judgment of the postconviction court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Camille R. McMullen
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker III
Tipton County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/28/12
State of Tennessee v. Frederick Greene

W2011-01180-CCA-R3-CD

A Shelby County jury convicted the Defendant-Appellant, Frederick Greene, of first degree premeditated murder. Greene was sentenced to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole according to a sentencing agreement. On appeal, he argues that (1) the evidence, specifically of premeditation and intent, was insufficient to support the jury’s verdict and (2) the trial court erred in denying his request to instruct the jury on self-defense. Upon review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Camille R. McMullen
Originating Judge:Judge James C. Beasley Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/27/12
Mary A. Price v. DSI Centers for Dialyzing Excellence et al.

M2012-01095-COA-R3-CV

The appellant has appealed from a final judgment entered on December 28, 2012. Because the appellant did not file her notice of appeal with the trial court clerk within the time permitted by Tenn. R. App. P. 4(a), we dismiss the appeal.
 

Authoring Judge: Per Curiam
Originating Judge:Judge Barbara Haynes
Davidson County Court of Appeals 06/27/12