APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

State vs. Elpidio Valdez

M1999-00791-CCA-R3-CD
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry Smith
Originating Judge:J. Randall Wyatt, Jr.
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/16/00
Welborn vs. Sellars

M1999-00164-COA-R3-CV
This is an insurance case. The plaintiff was driving a motorcycle when he was involved in an accident with an automobile driven by an uninsured motorist. The plaintiff's motorcycle was not listed in his insurance policy. The plaintiff filed suit seeking damages for his injuries sustained in the accident. The plaintiff's insurance company moved for summary judgment in the case based on an exclusion in the plaintiff's insurance policy which denied uninsured motorist coverage for vehicles for which insurance was not afforded under the policy. The trial court granted the insurance company's motion and the plaintiff appealed. We affirm, finding that the policy exclusion applies to the plaintiff's motorcycle.
Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Robert E. Corlew, III
Rutherford County Court of Appeals 08/16/00
American Airlines vs. Johnson

M1999-02390-COA-R3-CV
American Airlines, Inc., appeals the trial court's final judgment denying its request for a refund of use taxes paid on aviation fuel purchased out of state during the years 1992 through 1995. We affirm the trial court's judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Carol L. Mccoy
Davidson County Court of Appeals 08/16/00
Wright vs. Hull

M1999-02307-COA-R3-CV
Plaintiff/Appellee, Bill D. Wright, sued to set aside a 1986 deed whereby he conveyed a certain tract of land to Defendant/Appellant, Bonnie S. Hull. He charged failure of consideration and fraud. Defendant, Ms. Hull, asserted that she and Mr. Wright cohabited without marriage for twelve years until their separation in 1998. She asserted that the property conveyance was a gift and was also conveyed to her by Mr. Wright to put the property out of the reach of his creditors. The trial court held the parties to be equal tenants in common and ordered the property sold. We reverse the trial court and dismiss the case.
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Billy Joe White
Fentress County Court of Appeals 08/16/00
Richardson vs. Miller

M1997-00205-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:Marietta M. Shipley
Davidson County Court of Appeals 08/16/00
Richardson vs. Miller

M1997-00205-COA-R3-CV
Authoring Judge: Judge William C. Koch, Jr.
Originating Judge:Marietta M. Shipley
Davidson County Court of Appeals 08/16/00
State vs. Jerry W. Yancey, Jr.

M1999-02131-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant/defendant, Jerry W. Yancey, Jr., was convicted by the Williamson County Jury on four counts, two counts of aggravated assault and two counts of felony reckless endangerment. In count five, the defendant was found not guilty of felony reckless endangerment. Upon the defendant's conviction for aggravated assault, the trial court imposed sentences of three and one-half (3-_) years in the Department of Correction. However, the trial court placed the defendant on probation for four (4) years with certain special conditions, mainly that the defendant serve sixty (60) days, day for day, in the Williamson County Jail. In his appeal, the defendant challenges: (1) Whether the trial court erred in finding that the District Attorney General did not abuse his discretion in denying the defendant pre-trial diversion?; and (2) Whether the trial court erred in denying the defendant full probation? Upon our review of the entire record, we find no reversible error and affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Sr. Judge L. Terry Lafferty
Originating Judge:Timothy L. Easter
Williamson County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/16/00
Ross vs. Campbell

M1999-01805-COA-R3-CV
An inmate in custody of the Tennessee Department of Correction brought an action for declaratory judgment contending that the Department failed to give him all sentence credits due. The trial court granted the respondent's motion for summary judgment and we affirm on the basis that no genuine issue of material fact was shown.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Ellen Hobbs Lyle
Davidson County Court of Appeals 08/16/00
State vs. Anthony E. Collier

M1999-01408-CCA-R3-CD
On March 31, 1998, Metropolitan Nashville Police Officers executed a search warrant on the residence and person of Anthony E. Collier, the defendant and appellee. Police searched the defendant, his vehicle and his residence and seized drugs, drug paraphernalia and weapons. The defendant moved to suppress the evidence, and, following a suppression hearing, the trial court granted the defendant's motion. On appeal, the State claims that the trial court erred. We hold that the search of the defendant was not supported by probable cause and any evidence seized from the defendant's person was thus properly suppressed. However, we also find that the failure of the trial court to make findings of fact with respect to the question of whether the contraband was in plain view and thus subject to seizure requires us to remand this case for entry of such findings pursuant to Tenn. R. Crim. P. 12(e). Finally, the search of the defendant's residence was supported by the warrant; thus any evidence seized from the defendant's vehicle or residence should not have been suppressed. Accordingly, we reverse in part and affirm in part the judgment of the trial court, and we remand the case to the trial court for further proceedings in accordance with this opinion.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry Smith
Originating Judge:Seth W. Norman
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/15/00
State vs. Michael E. Wallace

M1999-02187-CCA-R3-CD
On August 25, 1998, a Davidson County Grand Jury indicted Michael E. Wallace, the defendant and appellant, of one count each of the following: possession of cocaine with intent to sell more than .5 grams of cocaine, simple possession of marijuana, possession of a weapon, possession of drug paraphernalia and evading arrest. Following a jury trial, the defendant was convicted for possession with intent to sell less than .5 grams of cocaine, a lesser included offense of count one. The defendant was also convicted of all other counts as charged. After a sentencing hearing, the trial court sentenced the defendant as a Range II, multiple offender, to serve ten years for possession of cocaine with intent to sell consecutively to two years for possession of a weapon. For the remaining counts, the court ordered the defendant to serve two eleven month and twenty-nine day sentences concurrently to each other and the other counts. On appeal, the defendant claims (1) that the evidence was insufficient to support his conviction; (2) that the trial court erroneously allowed a police officer to offer expert opinion testimony; (3) that the trial court erroneously denied the defendant's motion for a mistrial after a witness testified to prior bad acts of the defendant; (4) that the court erroneously refused to instruct the jury to consider lesser-included offenses; and (5) that the court erroneously ordered consecutive sentences. After a thorough review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry Smith
Originating Judge:Steve R. Dozier
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/15/00
Steven Leach vs. State

M1999-00774-CCA-R3-PC
On November 19, 1995, a Smith County Grand Jury indicted Steven Edward Leach, the defendant and appellant, for first-degree murder, felony murder, two counts of rape of a child, and attempted rape of a child. Pursuant to a plea agreement, the defendant pled guilty to first-degree murder and rape of a child and the trial court sentenced him to serve life without parole for the murder consecutively to twenty-five years for the rape. The defendant filed a post-conviction petition, and, following a hearing, the trial court denied the petition. On appeal, the defendant claims (1) that he was denied his right to counsel of his choice; (2) that he was denied the effective assistance of counsel; (3) that he was denied his due process right to be present at a hearing; and (4) that the cumulative effect of the trial court's errors violated his due process rights. Because the evidence does not preponderate against the findings of the trial court, we affirm its judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry Smith
Originating Judge:James O. Bond
Smith County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/15/00
State vs. Christopher Karvey

M1999-02590-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant entered a plea of guilty to DUI, and attempted to reserve a certified question of law pursuant to Tenn. R. Crim. P. 37(b)(2)(i). The defendant contends that the stop of his vehicle by police was illegal and that all evidence obtained as a result thereof must be suppressed. Because the defendant failed to properly reserve the certified question, the appeal is dismissed.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry Smith
Originating Judge:Seth W. Norman
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/15/00
State vs. Shannon Hagewood

M2000-00972-CCA-R3-CD
On November 16, 1999, Shannon Hagewood, the defendant and appellant, pled guilty to three counts of aggravated burglary in a Dickson County Criminal Court. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court sentenced the defendant as a multiple, Range II offender to six years for the first count, six years for the second count, and eight years for the third count. The court also ordered the defendant to serve the eight-year sentence consecutively to the two six-year sentences, which were to be served concurrently to each other. On appeal, the defendant claims (1) that he did not receive notice, as required by statute, that he would be sentenced as a multiple offender, (2) that the trial court's imposition of an eight-year sentence was erroneous; and (3) that the trial court's imposition of consecutive sentences was erroneous. After a thorough review of the record, we find that, although the trial court did not place its findings in the record, this court's de novo review supports the sentence imposed. Accordingly, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry Smith
Originating Judge:Allen W. Wallace
Dickson County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/15/00
State vs. Jason Norton

M2000-00074-CCA-R3-CD
In April of 1999, the Robertson County grand jury indicted the defendant for hindering a secured creditor and for failure to appear in court on charges related to a third offense. Thereafter, the trial court appointed the defendant counsel, and this attorney filed a motion to dismiss the charges of hindering a secured creditor. Through this motion the defendant essentially averred that the facts would not support a conviction for the offense. Following an evidentiary hearing, the trial court ruled in the defendant's favor, and the State subsequently brought this appeal asserting that the trial court improperly invaded the province of the jury by ruling on the sufficiency of the evidence. After analyzing relevant caselaw and the record, we find that the State's position has merit and, therefore, reverse the trial court's ruling.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry Smith
Originating Judge:John H. Gasaway, III
Robertson County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/15/00
Union Planters vs. Island Management

W1999-00541-COA-R3-CV
This is a dispute regarding the repayment of a $350,000.00 loan that Union Planters National Bank ("Union Planters") made to Island Management Authority, Inc. ("Island Management") in 1989. The trial court found that Mr. Criss, Mr. Tigrett, and Mr. Richards, each of whom had executed a guaranty in favor of Union Planters, are jointly and severally liable to Union Planters for the outstanding balance of this loan. For the reasons set forth below, we affirm the ruling of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:D. J. Alissandratos
Shelby County Court of Appeals 08/15/00
Emmanuel Page vs. Doctor R. Crants

W1999-02127-COA-R3-CV
An inmate sentenced in Wisconsin and transferred to Tennessee, where he is presently incarcerated, appeals from the trial court's order dismissing his petition for writ of habeas corpus. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Jon Kerry Blackwood
Hardeman County Court of Appeals 08/15/00
State vs. Ronald Fielding

M2003-01055-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant, Ronald Fielding, pled guilty to three counts of rape of a child, one count of rape of an incapacitated victim and two counts of aggravated sexual battery. Following a sentencing hearing, the trial court imposed an aggregate sentence of fifty years in prison to be served at 100 percent. On appeal, the Defendant contends that: (1) the trial court improperly weighed the enhancement and mitigating factors; (2) the trial court abused its discretion by ordering that his sentences run consecutively; and (3) his sentence is excessive. Finding no error, we affirm the trial court's judgments.
Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Cheryl A. Blackburn
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 08/15/00
Lisa Alfaro Munday vs. William Mark Munday

E1999-02605-COA-R3-CV
In this post-divorce proceeding, the trial court designated William Mark Munday ("Father") as the primary residential custodian of two of the parties' children. He had been awarded primary residential custody of the parties' third child at an earlier time. Lisa Alfaro Munday ("Mother") appeals, arguing (1) that the trial court lacked subject matter jurisdiction to modify the custodial arrangement and (2) that there had not been a material change of circumstances to warrant a change in custody. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Daryl R. Fansler
Knox County Court of Appeals 08/15/00
Kenneth L. Storey vs. Randall Nichols, et al

E1998-00851-COA-R3-CV
An accused awaiting trial on a charge of aggravated rape filed an action in the Chancery Court of Knox County against the district attorney general and two of his assistants. The complaint sought an injunction preventing the defendants from proceeding with his prosecution, a money judgment to compensate him for his mental and physical suffering, and the loss of over two years of valuable time. The complaint also sought to disbar the defendants. The Chancery Court granted summary judgment to the defendants. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Justice Janice M. Holder
Originating Judge:David H. Cate
Knox County Court of Appeals 08/14/00
Daniel Ray Stanfill vs. Karen Elaine Wright Stanfill

E1999-01878-COA-R3-CV
In this post-divorce proceeding, the trial court modified the judgment of divorce by changing the custody of Christopher Stanfill (DOB: February 12, 1993) from Karen Elaine Wright Stanfill ("Mother") to Daniel Ray Stanfill ("Father"). The trial court also established Mother's visitation rights with her son. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Bill Swann
Knox County Court of Appeals 08/14/00
Margaret Elizabeth Butler v. Txas Boot,

M1999-00674-WC-R3-CV
The appellant contends the trial judge erred (1) in determining the employee's condition arose out of the employment and (2) in applying Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-242, and (3) that the award is excessive.
Authoring Judge: Loser, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:John D. Wooten, Jr., Judge
Smith County Workers Compensation Panel 08/14/00
James David Ramsey, Jr. v. Crockett-Phillips Construction, et al

M1999-01008-WC-R3-CV
The employer and its insurer have appealed, contending the trial court's award of permanent disability benefits based on the functional equivalent of one hundred percent to both legs is excessive.
Authoring Judge: Loser, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:J. O. Bond, Judge
Crockett County Workers Compensation Panel 08/14/00
J.C.Bradford vs. Southern Realty

W1999-01617-COA-R3-CV
This cause came to be considered by the Court upon a claim for misrepresentation arising from a real estate transaction. This is the second occasion that the Court has had to address this case. Initially, this cause was set for trial, and following opening statements, the Chancellor ruled from the bench in the defendants' favor. On appeal, this Court remanded the cause to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with the opinion. On remand, the defendants filed a motion for summary judgment, renewed a previously filed motion to dismiss and filed a counterclaim for attorneys fees. The trial court granted the defendants the requested relief. This appeal followed. Upon consideration of the record, the Court finds that the trial court's orders granting summary judgment, dismissing the complaint and awarding attorneys' fees should be vacated and that the cause should be remanded to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:D. J. Alissandratos
Shelby County Court of Appeals 08/14/00
Alvin Herring vs. Interstate Hotels

W1999-01055-COA-R3-CV
This is a dispute between Plaintiff Alvin O. Herring, Jr. and Defendant Interstate Hotels, Inc. d/b/a Memphis Marriott ("Memphis Marriott") regarding the theft of Mr. Herring's property from the Memphis Marriott's premises. The Memphis Marriott argues on appeal that the trial court erred in denying its motion for an extension of time to file an answer to Mr. Herring's complaint, in granting Mr. Herring's motion for a default judgment, and in denying its motion to set aside the default judgment. For the reasons set forth below, we affirm the ruling of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:John R. Mccarroll, Jr.
Shelby County Court of Appeals 08/14/00
William P. Henderson, et al vs. Henry Clay Hart, Jr.

E1999-01446-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from an executory contract for the sale of real property. Henry Clay Hart, Jr., the Appellant, appeals the judgment from the Knox County Circuit Court in favor of William P. Henderson and Lillian R. Henderson, the Appellees. Mr. Hart raises the issues of whether the Trial Court had proper subject matter jurisdiction to hear the case and whether the Court erred in finding that the executory sales contract was no longer in effect. We affirm the judgment of the Trial Court and remand for such further proceedings as may be necessary consistent with this opinion. We adjudge costs of appeal against Henry Clay Hart, Jr. and his surety.
Authoring Judge: Judge Houston M. Goddard
Originating Judge:Harold Wimberly
Knox County Court of Appeals 08/11/00