State of Tennessee v. Bonnie Stillwell Proffitt Godfrey
E2001-00362-CCA-R3-CD
Bonnie Stillwell Proffitt Godfrey appeals the Blount County Circuit Court's revocation of her Community Corrections sentence. Because we hold that substantial evidence supports the finding of a violation, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr. |
Blount County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/16/02 | |
Eddie Fritz vs. Wanda Fritz
E2001-00145-COA-R3-CV
Eddie LaMartin Fritz ("Husband") filed for divorce alleging inappropriate marital conduct or, in the alternative, irreconcilable differences. Wanda Lorraine Williams Fritz ("Wife") counter-claimed seeking a divorce on the same grounds. The parties eventually agreed how to divide most of their personal property and stipulated to grounds for the divorce. Wife had opened two savings accounts into which she claims she placed funds for the college education of her two daughters from a previous marriage. The Trial Court concluded the funds in these accounts were not marital property, and Husband challenges this conclusion on appeal. Husband also challenges the Trial Court's holding that he be responsible for all of the credit card debt accumulated during the marriage. We modify the division of property, and affirm the judgment as modified.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:John S. Mclellan, III |
Sullivan County | Court of Appeals | 04/16/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Christopher Lynch
E2001-00197-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant appeals the revocation of his probation. After a review of the record, we conclude that the defendant stipulated to the violation at the revocation hearing. Furthermore, the defendant had actual notice of an alleged violation based on two positive drug screens. Therefore, the court properly found a probation violation on that basis. Finally, the defendant's failure to pay court costs and restitution as ordered by the court was not due to an inability to pay but was a willful refusal to pay. As such, the trial court did not abuse its discretion in revoking the defendant's probation. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr. |
Blount County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/16/02 | |
E2001-02086-COA-R3-CV
E2001-02086-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Thomas R. Frierson, II |
Hamblen County | Court of Appeals | 04/15/02 | |
In The Matter of the Estate of Nellie Ellis, Charles W. Moore. v. Clyde Green
M2000-01516-COA-R3-CV
This case involves the interpretation of a remainder interest granted in a will. The decedent's husband bequeathed to the decedent a life estate in stock in a family-owned business, with the remainder to go 50% to his "living heirs" and 50% to "some deserving person in the music department at Belmont College." After her husband's death, the decedent purchased the remainder interest in the stock from all of the remaindermen. By virtue of this purchase, the decedent presumed that she owned the stock outright. At her death, her will included a bequest of the stock. Her heirs brought this declaratory judgment action, seeking a declaration that the decedent did not own the stock at her death. They argued that the decedent's purchase of the remainder interest in the stock was invalid because the remaindermen did not own a vested interest in the stock at the time of the husband's death. The trial court found that the case was barred by the statute of limitations and that the decedent had, in fact, acquired 100% ownership in the stock. The heirs now appeal. We affirm, finding that the remaindermen in the husband's will acquired a vested, transmissible remainder interest in the stock at the husband's death.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Frank G. Clement, Jr. |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 04/15/02 | |
Deborah R. Smith and Alan Smith vs. Taco Bell Corporation
E2001-01796-COA-R3-CV
The trial court awarded Deborah Smith ("Plaintiff") $250,000 for injuries received as a result of her fall at Taco Bell. Plaintiff's husband was awarded $10,000 for his loss of consortium claim. On appeal, Taco Bell Corporation ("Defendant") contends the trial court committed reversible error by failing to rule at trial on Defendant's objections made during the depositions of the two primary treating physicians. Defendant also claims the medical proof was insufficient to establish a causal connection between Plaintiff's fall at Taco Bell and her medical condition. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Wheeler A. Rosenbalm |
Knox County | Court of Appeals | 04/15/02 | |
Randy Arnwine v. Union County Board of Education,
E2001-02719-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Billy Joe White |
Union County | Court of Appeals | 04/15/02 | |
Watson's Carpet and Floor Coverings, Inc. vs. Rick McCormick, et al
M2000-03101-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Houston M. Goddard |
Williamson County | Court of Appeals | 04/15/02 | |
David O'Connell v. Metro Government of Nashville/Davidson County
M2001-00491-COA-R3-CV
The plaintiff in this inverse condemnation action alleged that the State took two parcels of land that belonged to him for a road-widening project, paying compensation to the wrong parties. The trial court referred the question of ownership of the disputed parcels to a special master, who determined that the plaintiff was not entitled to compensation for one of the parcels because title had passed to another party by adverse possession. The trial court affirmed the findings of the special master. We affirm the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Walter C. Kurtz |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 04/15/02 | |
Ronald Meredith vs. James Stair
E2001-02852-COA-R3-CV
In this suit seeking damages for breach of contract, Ronald C. Meredith, Jr., and Clinton Broadcasters, Inc., were granted a judgment against James F. Stair in the amount of $84,326. Mr. Stair appeals. His single issue insists that the Trial Court was in error in finding a breach of contract. We disagree and affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:James B. Scott, Jr. |
Anderson County | Court of Appeals | 04/15/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Albert Yarbrough
W2001-01150-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant was convicted by a Shelby County Criminal Court jury of rape, a Class B felony, and sentenced by the trial court to fourteen years, at 100% as a violent offender, in the Tennessee Department of Correction. The sole issue he presents on appeal is whether the evidence was sufficient to support his conviction. Based upon our review of the record, we conclude that the evidence was sufficient for a rational trier of fact to find him guilty of the offense beyond a reasonable doubt. Accordingly, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Bernie Weinman |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/12/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Gregory Ozier
W2001-02714-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Gregory Ozier, an inmate at the Whiteville Correctional Facility, appeals an order transferring his custody to Illinois to face a charge of first degree murder in the Criminal Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Because the trial court properly granted the petition by the State of Illinois for custody of the defendant, the judgment is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood |
Hardeman County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/12/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Mickey G. White
W2001-02429-CCA-R3-CD
Following a jury trial, the defendant was convicted of aggravated burglary and sentenced as a Range II, multiple offender to nine years in the Tennessee Department of Correction. He timely appealed, arguing that the evidence presented was insufficient and that the trial court erred in instructing the jury as to criminal trespass as a lesser-included offense of aggravated burglary. Based upon our review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood |
McNairy County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/12/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Kenneth Anthony Henderson
M1999-00547-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, Kenneth Anthony Henderson, was convicted by a jury of second degree murder, attempted second degree murder, and aggravated assault. The trial court merged the attempted second degree murder and the aggravated assault convictions. The Defendant was sentenced to twenty-three years for the murder, and to eleven years for the attempted murder, with the terms to run consecutively. In this direct appeal the Defendant raises two issues: whether the evidence in support of his murder conviction is sufficient, and whether the trial court erred in failing to instruct the jury on certain lesser-included offenses. Finding that the trial court committed reversible error in failing to charge certain lesser-included offenses, we reverse the Defendant's convictions and remand this matter for a new trial.
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Judge Seth W. Norman |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/11/02 | |
Estella Akins vs. Dwaine Peters
E2001-02739-COA-R3-CV
Estella Akins ("Plaintiff") sued Dwaine Peters and Carolyn Peters ("Defendants") for the wrongful death of her husband, Leon Akins ("Decedent"). At the time of his death, Decedent was feeding hay to Defendants' cattle using Defendants' tractor. One of the tractor's rear tires rolled onto the Decedent, killing him. The Trial Court granted Defendants' motion for directed verdict at the close of Plaintiff's proof. Plaintiff appeals. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Lawrence H. Puckett |
Monroe County | Court of Appeals | 04/10/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Steven Kelly Mezo
M2000-02760-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Steven Kelly Mezo, who was charged with two counts of the aggravated sexual battery of his daughter, A.M., was convicted of one count of aggravated sexual battery and one count of assault. The trial court ordered concurrent sentences of eight years and 11 months and 29 days, respectively. In this appeal of right, the defendant asserts that (1) he was denied his constitutional right of assistance of counsel of his choosing; (2) he was denied the effective assistance of counsel with regard to a pre-trial settlement offer; (3) the evidence was insufficient; and (4) the trial court erred by admitting hearsay statements.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Jane W. Wheatcraft |
Sumner County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/10/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Desi Boyd
W2001-01020-CCA-R3-CD
Defendant pled guilty to two counts of unlawful possession of a Schedule VI controlled substance with intent to sell and deliver. On appeal, defendant contends that the trial court abused its discretion when it imposed a sentence of incarceration. Defendant also appeals the admission of certain hearsay evidence. We conclude there was no error and thus, affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph B. Dailey |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/10/02 | |
Antwone Terry v. State of Tennessee
W2001-00177-CCA-R3-CD
The petitioner, Antwone Terry, appeals the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief. In this appeal, the petitioner contends (1) that he did not receive the effective assistance of counsel and (2) that the state engaged in prosecutorial misconduct. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R. Wade
Originating Judge:Judge R. Lee Moore Jr. |
Lake County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/10/02 | |
Antione Harbison v. State of Tennessee
M2001-00887-CCA-R3-CD
The petitioner, Antione Harbison, appeals the denial of post-conviction relief from the Davidson County Criminal Court. The petitioner pled guilty on August 13, 1999, to aggravated rape and attempted first degree murder. For the aggravated rape charge, the petitioner waived his sentence range, and the court sentenced him as a violent offender to thirty years with 100% of the sentence to be served. For the attempted first degree murder charge, the court sentenced the petitioner as a Range 1, standard offender and imposed a concurrent fifteen-year sentence. The petitioner appeals his denial of post-conviction relief, claiming that (1) his "defense counsel at the time of the plea was ineffective in failing to investigate [petitioner's] mental health and his ability to understand the nature of the charges against him, the guilty plea he entered, and the sentence he was to serve" and (2) the post-conviction court "erred in the post-conviction proceeding by denying [petitioner] an ex parte mental evaluation of the [petitioner's] competency by a private expert."
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Walter C. Kurtz |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/10/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. John Charles Johnson
M2001-01567-CCA-R3-CD
Defendant, John Charles Johnson, was convicted by a Davidson County jury of second degree murder, especially aggravated robbery, and facilitation of aggravated kidnapping. The trial court sentenced him to consecutive sentences of twenty-five years for second degree murder and five years for facilitation of aggravated kidnapping, to be served concurrently with a twenty year sentence for especially aggravated robbery. On appeal, our Court affirmed the conviction and the lengths of each sentence, but reversed the order of consecutive sentencing and remanded to the trial court for a new hearing solely on the issue of consecutive or concurrent sentencing. See State v. John Charles Johnson, No. M2000-00529-CCA-R3-CD, 2000 WL 208512, Davidson County (Tenn. Crim. App., Nashville, March 1, 2001) perm to appeal denied (Tenn. 2001). On remand, the trial court resentenced Defendant to consecutive sentences of twenty five years for second degree murder and five years for facilitation of aggravated kidnapping. In this appeal, Defendant argues that the trial court erred by again ordering the sentences to be served consecutively. After a thorough review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge J. Randall Wyatt, Jr. |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/10/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Faron Douglas Pierce
E2001-00437-CCA-R3-CD
Defendant appeals his conviction for robbery. Defendant contends that (1) the evidence was insufficient to support the conviction and (2) that the trial court erred in admitting testimony regarding prior inconsistent statements. We affirm the trial court judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Judge Ray L. Jenkins |
Knox County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/09/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. James Lee Parton
E2001-00835-CCA-R3-CD
Defendant pled guilty to one count of aggravated vehicular homicide, a Class A felony, and two counts of vehicular assault, a Class D felony. Defendant was ordered to serve consecutive sentences of twenty-four years for aggravated vehicular homicide, and three years for each count of vehicular assault, for an effective sentence of thirty years. Defendant challenges his sentence, raising the following three issues on appeal: (1) whether the trial court erred by refusing to allow mitigation for Defendant's severe, debilitating alcoholism; (2) whether the trial court erred by imposing the near-maximum sentence on each conviction; and (3) whether the trial court erred by ordering all three sentences to be served consecutively. After a thorough review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Richard R. Vance |
Sevier County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/09/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. Alfred Freddie Wilcox
E2001-00602-CCA-R3-CD
The state appeals from the Washington County Criminal Court's granting of the defendant's motion to suppress evidence that was obtained pursuant to a traffic stop. The state contends that contrary to the trial court's finding, the arresting officer had reasonable suspicion to justify stopping the defendant. We agree and reverse the trial court's ruling.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge Robert E. Cupp |
Washington County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/09/02 | |
Martin E. Walker v. State of Tennessee
M2001-00328-CCA-R3-CO
The petitioner, Martin E. Walker, appeals the trial court's dismissal of his motion to correct or modify his sentence. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge J. Randall Wyatt, Jr. |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/05/02 | |
State of Tennessee v. William Binkley
M2001-00404-CCA-R3-CD
A Rutherford County jury convicted the defendant, William Binkley, of criminal attempt to commit first-degree murder and reckless endangerment in connection with the shooting of the defendant's former girlfriend. The trial court sentenced the defendant as a Range I standard offender to 23 years in the Department of Correction for the attempted first-degree murder conviction and to two years for the reckless endangerment conviction. The sentences were ordered to be served consecutively for an effective sentence of 25 years. Primarily aggrieved that he was not allowed to offer expert testimony about his mental responsibility, the defendant appeals the trial court's evidentiary ruling. Secondarily, he questions the sufficiency of the evidence, and he complains that all relevant lesser-included offenses were not included in the jury instructions. Based upon our review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge James K. Clayton, Jr. |
Rutherford County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/05/02 |