APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

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State v. Charles Ray Allen

M1999-00818-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant was convicted by a jury of first degree premeditated murder and criminal attempt to commit voluntary manslaughter. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder, and to a consecutive four year term for the attempted manslaughter. In this appeal as of right, the Defendant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence; the trial court's exclusion of proof about the victim's prior violent conduct; the trial court's instruction to the jury about the penalties for first degree murder; and his sentencing. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:J. Randall Wyatt, Jr.
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
State vs. Charles Ricky Deason

M2000-00497-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Charles Ricky Deason, pled guilty in the Montgomery County Circuit Court to one count of driving under the influence (hereinafter "DUI"), seventh offense; one count of leaving the scene of an accident; one count of driving on a revoked license, fourth offense; one count of DUI, second offense; and two counts of misdemeanor assault. The trial court sentenced the appellant to eleven months and twenty-nine days incarceration in the Montgomery County Jail for DUI, seventh offense. The trial court also sentenced the appellant to thirty days incarceration for leaving the scene of an accident, to be served concurrently with the sentence for DUI, seventh offense. Additionally, the trial court sentenced the appellant to an eleven month and twenty-nine day suspended sentence for driving on a revoked license, fourth offense, and ordered this sentence to be served consecutively to the DUI, seventh offense, and leaving the scene of an accident. The trial court further sentenced the appellant to eleven months and twenty-nine days incarceration, with ninety days to be served in incarceration and the remainder suspended, for the DUI, second offense, and ordered this sentence to be served consecutively to the DUI, seventh offense, and leaving the scene of an accident, and consecutively to the driving on a revoked license, fourth offense. Finally, the trial court sentenced the appellant to eleven months and twenty-nine days probation for each of the assault convictions and ordered these sentences to be served concurrently with each other, but consecutively to the other sentences. Subsequently, the appellant violated his probation by driving on a revoked license, violating the Light Law, and improper vehicle registration. The trial court revoked the appellant's probation and ordered the appellant to serve the remainder of his sentence in incarceration. The appellant presents the following issue for our review: whether the judgment of the trial court compelling the appellant to serve the full balance of his sentences in confinement was supported by the evidence. Upon review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:John H. Gasaway, III
Montgomery County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
State vs. Jerry Belew

M1999-02143-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant was convicted by a Maury County jury of attempted second degree murder and aggravated assault. The trial court sentenced defendant to consecutive sentences of nine years for attempted second degree murder and three years for aggravated assault. In this appeal defendant alleges that the trial court: (1) improperly limited defense counsel's closing argument; (2) improperly denied his requested jury charges; and (3) improperly sentenced him to consecutive sentences. After a thorough review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Robert L. Jones
Maury County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
State vs. Peter George Crehan

M1999-02542-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant was convicted by a Robertson County jury of driving under the influence ("DUI"), third offense, and reckless driving. Defendant claims on appeal that the trial court erred by (1) sustaining his conviction for DUI, third offense, despite the indictment's failure to allege the specific court in Davidson County where he received his two prior DUI convictions; and (2) the evidence was insufficient to sustain his conviction for reckless driving. After a through review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Robert W. Wedemeyer
Robertson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
Anthony Ewing vs. State

M1999-01079-CCA-R3-PC
On February 12, 1998, the petitioner, Anthony Ewing, entered a best interest guilty plea in the Davidson County Criminal Court to one count of attempt to sell over .5 grams of cocaine, a class C felony. The trial court imposed a sentence of six years incarceration in the Davidson County Workhouse. The trial court further ordered this sentence to be served concurrently with sentences the petitioner was already serving. The petitioner filed a post-conviction petition for relief, alleging that he received ineffective assistance of counsel and that his best interest guilty plea was not made knowingly or voluntarily. The post-conviction court denied the petition, finding that the petitioner had received effective assistance of counsel and that the best interest guilty plea had been made knowingly and voluntarily. The petitioner now appeals the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief. Pursuant to a review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Steve R. Dozier
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
In Re: Paul's Bonding Company, Inc.

M1999-02528-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Paul's Bonding Company, Inc., appeals the judgments of the Davidson County Criminal Court ordering complete forfeiture of bail bonds in the cases of criminal defendants Carlos Ramon Ruiz and Castulo Morales Vasquez and partial forfeiture of the bail bond in the case of criminal defendant Reyes Castro. Following a review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:J. Randall Wyatt, Jr.
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
State of Tennessee v. Anthony Layne

M1997-00025-CCA-R3-CD
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Gerald L. Ewell, Sr.
Coffee County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
State vs. Anthony Roberts

M1999-00750-CCA-R3-CD
Defendant appeals his conviction by a Davidson County jury of DUI second offense. He raises the following issues for our review: (1) whether the trial court erred in denying his motion to suppress based upon the lack of probable cause to arrest; (2) whether the evidence was sufficient to support the conviction; (3) whether the prosecutor committed misconduct during final argument, and (4) whether records pertaining to his prior DUI conviction were properly admitted. Finding no error, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Frank G. Clement, Jr.
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
State vs. Kenneth Ray Jarman

M1999-01382-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Kenneth Ray Jarman, pled guilty in the Montgomery County Criminal Court to one count of driving under the influence (hereinafter "DUI"), fourth offense or over, a class E felony; one count of driving on a revoked license, sixth offense, a class A misdemeanor; and one count of violating the open container law, a class C misdemeanor. The trial court sentenced the appellant to two years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction for the DUI conviction, and imposed a $3000 fine. The trial court also sentenced the appellant to eleven months and twenty-nine days incarceration in the Montgomery County Jail for the driving on a revoked license conviction, and imposed a $350 fine. The trial court further sentenced the appellant to thirty days incarceration in the Montgomery County Jail for the violation of the open container law. Additionally, the trial court ordered the appellant's sentences to be served concurrently. The appellant raises the following issues for review: (1) whether the enhancing factors applied by the trial court were inapplicable to this case; and (2) whether the trial court erred in sentencing the appellant to serve the full term of his two-year sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction. Upon review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm in part and modify the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:John H. Gasaway, III
Montgomery County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
State vs. Melissa Stearns

M1999-1826-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Melissa Ann Stearns, pled guilty in the Williamson County Circuit Court to one (1) count of reckless endangerment, a Class E felony, and one (1) count of evading arrest, a Class E felony. The trial court sentenced the appellant as a Range I offender to concurrent terms of two (2) years for each offense, suspended after service of thirty (30) days in the Williamson County Jail. On appeal, the appellant contends that the trial court erred in ordering her to serve thirty (30) days in jail. After thoroughly reviewing the record before this Court, we hold that, due to the seriousness of the offenses committed by the appellant, the trial court did not err in denying full probation. Therefore, the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

Originating Judge:Timothy L. Easter
Williamson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
State of Tennessee v. Beverly K. Meeks

M2000-00435-CCA-MR3-CD
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:W. Charles Lee
Marshall County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
State vs. James D. Brazelton

M1999-02477-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, James D. Brazelton, was convicted by a jury in the Davidson County Criminal Court of one count of possession of marijuana, over 10 pounds but less than 70 pounds, with the intent to deliver, a class D felony. The trial court sentenced the appellant, as a Range II offender, to seven years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. The appellant raises the following issues for our review: (1) whether the jury's verdict was supported by the evidence; and (2) whether the sentence imposed by the trial court was excessive. Upon review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Cheryl A. Blackburn
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
Shanta Fonton McKay vs. State

M2000-00016-CCA-R3-PC
After his transfer from juvenile court, appellant pled guilty to second degree murder and, pursuant to a negotiated plea agreement, received a sentence of 19 years. Appellant sought post-conviction relief, which was denied by the trial court. In this appeal as a matter of right, appellant seeks relief alleging a double jeopardy violation, an involuntary guilty plea, and ineffective assistance of counsel. After a thorough review of the record, we affirm the denial of post-conviction relief.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Cheryl A. Blackburn
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
State vs. Kenneth Sisco

M2000-00036-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant pleaded guilty to the offense of robbery. His plea agreement provided that he would be sentenced as a Range II multiple offender, with the length of the sentence to be determined by the trial judge. Following a sentencing hearing, the judge sentenced him to ten years in the Department of Correction. On appeal, the Defendant argues that the trial judge erred by setting his sentence at ten years. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Steve R. Dozier
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
Antonia Regina Rose v. Emerson Motor Company

W1999-02705-SC-WCM-CV
This is an appeal by the defendant/employer. The only issue presented is whether the evidence preponderates against the trial court's award of 35% permanent partial disability to each of the plaintiff's arms. We find it does not and affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: J. Steven Stafford, Special Judge
Originating Judge:George R. Ellis, Chancellor
Gibson County Workers Compensation Panel 09/20/00
Ernestyne M. Webb v. Shoe City, Inc.,

W1998-00741-WC-R3-CV
This case involves a back injury sustained in 1995 by Ernestyne M. Webb, an employee of Shoe City, Incorporated. The employee brought suit against the employer and its insurer, The Traveler's Insurance Company. The trial court found that the employee had sustained a herniated disk at the L-4 level of her spine and suffered a 15 percent anatomical impairment rating as a result. The court awarded benefits based upon 67.5 percent disability to the body as a whole. The court also found that the employee was not returned to work and declined to apply the two and one-half (2.5) times cap in Tennessee Code Annotated _ 50-6-241(a). The defendants have presented the following issues on appeal: (1) whether the evidence preponderates against the trial court's finding that the plaintiff was not returned to work as required by Tennessee Code Annotated _ 50-6-241(a); and (2) whether the evidence preponderates against the court's finding that the plaintiff suffered a 15 percent anatomical impairment to the body as a whole. We find that we must affirm the trial court's judgment as modified.
Authoring Judge: F. Lloyd Tatum, Senior Judge
Originating Judge:Karen R. Williams, Judge
Shelby County Workers Compensation Panel 09/20/00
X2010-0000-XX-X00-XX

X2010-0000-XX-X00-XX

Originating Judge:William Charles Lee
Bedford County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/20/00
James Rainey vs. Leslie Head

W2000-00504-COA-R3-CV
This is a case involving termination of parental rights. The Appellant executed a consent order terminating his parental rights to his child. Asserting that he executed the order under influence and duress by the Appellee and her family, the Appellant then filed a Petition to Vacate Order Terminating Parental Rights. The Juvenile Court of Shelby County dismissed the Appellant's Petition.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:George E. Blancett
Shelby County Court of Appeals 09/19/00
State vs. William Lewis Houston

M1999-01430-CCA-R3-CD
Defendant was convicted by a Giles County jury of eight drug offenses and one count of aggravated assault. He received an effective sentence of seventy-two years. In this appeal, the defendant makes the following allegations: (1) the evidence was insufficient to support his convictions; (2) the trial court committed plain error by consolidating all nine indictments for trial; (3) the process of selecting the jury venire was unconstitutional; (4) the trial court improperly limited the defendant's cross-examination of the undercover agent; (5) the trial court erred by admitting into evidence transcripts of certain tape recorded conversations and failed to properly instruct the jury concerning the transcripts; and (6) the trial court erred in its sentencing determinations. We conclude the trial court improperly sentenced the defendant and reduce the sentences to an effective term of forty-six years. The judgments of the trial court are affirmed in all other respects.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Jim T. Hamilton
Giles County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/19/00
State vs. Lori A. Little

M1999-0858-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, Lori A. Little, was convicted of two counts of forgery, both Class E felonies. In this appeal as of right, she argues (1) that the trial court improperly denied her the court's subpoena power prior to trial; (2) that the evidence was insufficient to support her convictions; (3) that the trial court improperly instructed the jury regarding NationsBank's obligations under the Uniform Commercial Code to reimburse customers for forgeries paid out of customers' accounts; (4) that the trial court improperly limited cross-examination of a prosecution witness regarding his bias; (5) that the jury was improperly tainted or biased by contact between a witness and a juror who were acquaintances; and (6) that the trial court intimidated the Defendant in a jury-out hearing during her direct examination at trial. We find no reversible error; thus, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Originating Judge:Walter C. Kurtz
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/19/00
State of Tennessee v. Connie Easterly

M2000-00077-CCA-R10-CO
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Robert Steven Bebb
Sequatchie County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/19/00
State vs.Robert Lewis Herrin

M1999-00856-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Robert Lewis Herrin, pled guilty in the Marshall County Circuit Court to one count of theft of property worth one thousand dollars ($1,000) or more but less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000), a class D felony. The trial court sentenced the appellant as a Range I offender to three years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction, suspending all but 120 days of the appellant's sentence and granting him supervised probation for a term of ten years. As a special condition of probation, the trial court prohibited the appellant from engaging in "any type [of] construction business or solicitation for business." In this appeal, the appellant argues that the trial court erred in imposing this special condition of probation. Following a review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgment of the trial court as modified.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:W. Charles Lee
Marshall County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/19/00
State vs. Bernard Jerome Jones

M2000-00018-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant was convicted by a Davidson County jury of possession with intent to sell or deliver 0.5 grams or more of cocaine. The trial court sentenced defendant to 16 years incarceration as a Range II multiple offender. In this appeal as a matter of right, defendant makes the following allegations of error: (1) the evidence was insufficient to support a finding of guilt; (2) the trial court erred by ruling that if defendant testified, the state could impeach his credibility by introducing defendant's prior drug convictions; and (3) the trial court erred in sentencing defendant to 16 years incarceration. After a thorough review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Cheryl A. Blackburn
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/19/00
State vs. Richard C. Silk

M1999-02526-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Richard C. Silk, was convicted by a jury in the Rutherford County Circuit Court of one count of resisting arrest, a class B misdemeanor. The trial court sentenced him to six (6) months incarceration in the Rutherford County Jail, assigning a service percentage of seventy-five percent (75%). The appellant now presents the following issues for our review: (1) whether the evidence adduced at trial is sufficient to support the appellant's conviction of resisting arrest; (2) whether the trial court erred in sustaining certain objections by the State to the appellant's testimony concerning a statement made to him by an arresting officer; and (3) whether the trial court erred in sentencing the appellant. Following a thorough review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:J. Steve Daniel
Rutherford County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/19/00
State vs. Warner Powell and Charlie Stokes

M1999-00661-CCA-R3-CD
This is an appeal as of right by the State of Tennessee, which argues that the trial court erred by suppressing the evidence obtained against the Defendants pursuant to a search warrant. The State asserts that the trial court incorrectly concluded that the search warrant was invalid because the agent who provided the information in the affidavit establishing probable cause to search did not have the authority to execute the warrant or arrest the Defendants. In response, the Defendants assert that the State's notice of appeal was not timely filed, and they argue that the evidence was properly suppressed because the agent did not have the authority to obtain or execute the search warrant and because the affidavit did not establish the veracity of the confidential informant. We conclude that the State's notice of appeal was not timely filed, but we will consider the appeal in the interest of justice. We further conclude that the search warrant was valid; thus the trial court erred by suppressing the evidence obtained pursuant to the warrant. Accordingly, the trial court's order suppressing the evidence is reversed, and this case is remanded for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Robert W. Wedemeyer
Montgomery County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/19/00