APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

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Anna (Rutherford) Peychek v. Donald Lewis Rutherford

W2003-01805-COA-R3-JV

Appellant filed petition seeking credit against child support arrearage for necessaries provided to minor children. The trial court granted Appellant $10,236.50 in credit toward his support arrearage. Appellant appeals asserting that the trial court erred in giving a percentage of necessaries provided. Finding that the Appellant did not meet his burden of proof in his claim for necessaries and that the evidence in record preponderates against the trial court’s findings, we reverse in part, affirm in part and remand.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Judge Kenneth A. Turner
Shelby County Court of Appeals 06/08/04
Mack A. O'Baner v. State of Tennessee

W2003-01945-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner, Mack A. O’Baner, was convicted by a Shelby County jury of the offense of first degree murder. He was sentenced to life imprisonment. On direct appeal this Court affirmed the convictions. See State v. Mack A. O’Baner, No. W2001-00815-CCA-R3-CD, Shelby County, (filed March 15, 2002, at Jackson). On February 6, 2003, the petitioner filed a post-conviction petition alleging that his due process rights were violated by a jury instruction on second degree murder which failed to specify that second degree murder committed through a “knowing killing of another” was strictly a “result-of-conduct offense.” See State v. Page, 81 S.W.3d 781, 790 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2002). The petition also alleged that his trial and appellate counsel were ineffective in failing to challenge the jury instructions given as being violative of the holding in Page. The trial court summarily dismissed the petition finding inter alia that, because he was convicted of first degree murder the petitioner could not establish prejudice as a result of his claims. After a review of the record and the applicable authorities we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Arthur T. Bennett
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/08/04
Demetrius Currie v. State of Tennessee

W2003-01201-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner, Demetrius Currie, pled guilty in the Tipton County Circuit Court to two counts of especially aggravated robbery and one count of especially aggravated burglary. The petitioner received a total effective sentence of sixteen years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. Subsequently, the petitioner filed for post-conviction relief, alleging that because counsel failed to correctly inform him of his release eligibility percentage, counsel was ineffective and the petitioner’s guilty pleas were not knowingly and voluntarily made. After a hearing, the  postconviction court denied the petition, and the petitioner appeals. Upon 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:Judge Joseph H. Walker, III
Tipton County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/08/04
Thomas Jackson v. Tennessee Department of Correction, et al.

W2005-02240-COA-R3-CV

This appeal involves a petition for writ of certiorari filed by a state prisoner. The prisoner was found guilty of money laundering by the prison Disciplinary Board, and placed in punitive segregation for ten days, ordered to pay a $5.00 fine, and was recommended him for involuntary administration segregation. The prisoner filed a petition for common law writ of certiorari in the Chancery Court of Lauderdale County alleging that the Disciplinary Board committed multiple violations of its own disciplinary procedures. The trial court issued an order granting certiorari, and respondents filed a certified copy of the disciplinary record for the prisoner with the trial court. After reviewing the record, the trial court held that the Petitioner had failed to prove that the Disciplinary Board exceeded its jurisdiction or acted illegally, fraudulently or arbitrarily, and quashed the petition. Prisoner appeals. We affirm.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Chancellor Martha B. Brasfield
Lauderdale County Court of Appeals 06/08/04
Aaron McFarland v. State of Tennessee

W2003-01797-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner, Aaron McFarland, appeals the judgment of the Shelby County Criminal Court denying his petition for post-conviction relief from his conviction for first degree murder. The petitioner contends that he was denied effective assistance of counsel. Upon 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:Judge James C. Beasley, Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/08/04
State of Tennessee v. Ronald Dotson

W2003-00259-CCA-R3-CD

A Shelby County jury convicted the Appellant, Ronald Dotson, of two counts of aggravated robbery. Following a sentencing hearing, Dotson was found to be a repeat violent offender and sentenced to two consecutive sentences of life without parole. On appeal, Dotson argues that the trial court erred in denying his motion for continuance based upon (1) the State’s failure to provide pre-trial discovery and (2) the court’s ruling which permitted impeachment under Tennessee Rules of Evidence 609. As a second issue, Dotson argues that the evidence is legally insufficient to support his convictions. Finding no reversible error, the judgments of conviction are affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Judge David G. Hayes
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph B. Dailey
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/07/04
C. Vinson Alexander Jr., M.D. v. Jackson Radiology Associates, P.A., et al.

W2002-02702-COA-R3-CV

The trial court imposed sanctions on Plaintiff, who undisputedly spoiled evidence and lied in a sworn deposition, and dismissed Plaintiff’s cause of action. On appeal, Dr. Alexander argues that dismissal was improper. We affirm.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed McGinley
Madison County Court of Appeals 06/07/04
State of Tennessee v. Nathaniel Lee Jackson & Kenneth L. Jones

M2002-02248-CCA-R3-CD

The appellants, Nathaniel Lee Jackson and Kenneth Juqan Jones, both minors, were tried as adults in a non-jury trial and found guilty of aggravated kidnapping, evading arrest and aggravated robbery. Following a sentencing hearing, each received an effective sentence of twelve years. Both appellants argue that the juvenile court erred in transferring the case to circuit court. Appellant Jackson seeks a determination as to whether the judgment is void due to the failure of the trial court to have a detention hearing. Appellant Jones presents the following additional issues: (1) whether the evidence is sufficient on the charges of aggravated kidnapping and aggravated robbery; and (2) whether the trial court failed to adhere to applicable sentencing guidelines. After a thorough review of the record, we affirm the decision of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Donald P. Harris
Lewis County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/07/04
In Re: C.D.C., Jr.

E2003-01832-COA-R3-PT

This is a proceeding to terminate the parental relationship between father and son. The mother's relationship had been previously terminated at her request. The trial court terminated the father's parental relationship on statutory grounds of non-support, non visitation, and best interests. Father essentially argues that his son, who was born February 12, 1996 in Texas, was hidden from him, thereby frustrating his efforts to support or visit him. The trial court found that the Respondent had little credibility, that he had no permanent address, and that he failed to keep anyone apprised of his address for the last four years. Judgment affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Judge William H. Inman, Sr.
Originating Judge:Judge Thomas J. Wright
Greene County Court of Appeals 06/07/04
State of Tennessee v. Tony Levelle Ford

E2003-01725-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Tony Levelle Ford, entered guilty pleas to aggravated burglary and conspiracy to commit aggravated robbery. The Blount County trial court ordered the defendant to serve concurrent five-year sentences in confinement as a Range I standard offender. On appeal, the defendant contends his sentences are excessive. We affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.
Blount County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/04/04
State of Tennessee v. Roy Chisenhall

M2003-00956-CCA-R3-CD

The appellant, Roy Chisenhall, was convicted by a jury of aggravated sexual battery. After a sentencing hearing, he was sentenced to eight years and nine months and, as recommended by the jury, assessed a $25,000 fine. The trial court denied his motion for new trial. In this direct appeal, the appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, the jury instruction on flight, the jury instruction on aggravated sexual battery, and the absence of a jury instruction on corroboration of accomplice testimony. After a review of the record and applicable authorities, we affirm the decision of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge James Curtis Smith
Marion County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/03/04
State of Tennessee v. Cornell Marley Hyder

M2003-00833-CCA-R3-CD

The appellant, Cornell Marley Hyder, also known as Cornbread, was convicted by a jury of one count of rape of a child, one count of rape, one count of aggravated sexual battery, and one count of sexual battery, for which he received an effective seventeen-year sentence. In this direct appeal, the appellant presents the following issues for review: (1) whether the trial court erred in refusing to allow testimony pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Evidence 412; (2) whether the trial court erred in denying the motion to suppress; (3) whether the trial court erred in denying the motion for directed verdict; (4) whether the trial court erred in failing to charge the jury on election of offenses; (5) whether the evidence established the venue of the offense on the charge of rape; and (6) whether the evidence was sufficient to support the verdict. We affirm the convictions and sentences, but remand for correction of the judgment forms.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge J. O. Bond
Trousdale County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/03/04
Kay Gilliam Dulin v. Michael Jay Dulin

W2002-02758-COA-R3-CV

Father of minor child appeals the trial court’s order finding him in contempt of court, assessing arrearages of child support and attorney fees on the ground that the court lacked personal jurisdiction in the original divorce action and all subsequent proceedings. We affirm.
 

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge W. Frank Crawford
Originating Judge:Judge George H. Brown, Jr.
Shelby County Court of Appeals 06/03/04
Wanda Gail Sandlin v. George Samuel Sandlin

M2003-00775-COA-R3-CV

Wife filed for divorce alleging irreconcilable differences or, in the alternative, that Husband was guilty of inappropriate marital conduct. The trial court granted Wife an absolute divorce on the basis of Husband's stipulated inappropriate marital conduct. The trial court further ordered a distribution of marital property and debt, awarded wife alimony in futuro and attorney's fees, and required Husband to maintain a life insurance policy to secure his alimony obligation. Husband appeals. We affirm the award of alimony in futuro, distribution of marital property and debt, and the award of attorney's fees as alimony in solido. However, we vacate the requirement to provide life insurance and remand.

Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Chancellor Vernon Neal
Putnam County Court of Appeals 06/03/04
State of Tennessee v. Eric T. Armstrong

M2003-00762-CCA-R3-CD

The appellant, Eric T. Armstrong, was convicted by a jury in the Williamson County Circuit Court of aggravated robbery and especially aggravated kidnapping. Following a hearing, the trial court sentenced the appellant to an effective sixteen year sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the appellant challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, the denial of the motion to suppress Lara Carter's identification of the appellant, the constitutionality of the jury venire, and his conviction of especially aggravated kidnapping under State v. Anthony, 817 S.W.2d 299 (Tenn. 1991). Upon review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Donald P. Harris
Williamson County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/02/04
State of Tennessee v. Carter Masters

M2003-00305-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Carter Masters, was convicted by a jury of two counts of especially aggravated kidnapping, aggravated burglary, and aggravated assault. The trial court imposed concurrent sentences of twenty years for each kidnapping, four years for the burglary, and three years for the aggravated assault. In this appeal of right, the defendant asserts that he was denied due process because the mental health expert retained by trial counsel was incompetent. In the alternative, he argues that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to select a competent psychologist. The defendant also asserts that his due process rights were offended by the state's cross-examination of the defense psychologist. The judgments of the trial court are affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Leon C. Burns, Jr.
Overton County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/02/04
Parris Lester v. Cracker Barrel Old Country Store, Inc.

M2003-02409-COA-R3-CV

This appeal concerns a restaurant's liability for the conduct of an employee who verbally abused and bumped a customer. The customer filed suit against the restaurant in the Circuit Court for Wilson County seeking damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress. The trial court granted the restaurant a summary judgment and the customer appealed. The sole issue on appeal is whether the employee was acting within the scope of his employment when he harassed and bumped the customer. Because we find as a matter of law the employee was not acting within the scope of his employment, we affirm the summary judgment.

Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Judge John D. Wootten, Jr.
Wilson County Court of Appeals 06/02/04
Rita Werne v. Robert Sanderson, et al.

W2002-02118-COA-R3-CV

The trial court found Plaintiff was the owner of disputed stock, but had failed to prove monetary damages. We affirm in part and remand for further proceedings regarding damages.

Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Chancellor Walter L. Evans
Shelby County Court of Appeals 06/02/04
State of Tennessee v. Jamie Crawford

E2003-02192-CCA-R3-CD

Following a revocation hearing, the trial court revoked the probation of Defendant, Jamie Michelle Crawford, and ordered her to serve the remainder of her sentence in confinement. Defendant does not appeal the revocation of her probation but argues that the trial court erred in not imposing a sentence of split confinement. After a thorough review of the record in this matter, we affirm the judgment of the trial court revoking probation and ordering Defendant to serve her sentence in confinement.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge R. Jerry Beck
Sullivan County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/01/04
Jerry Dickerson v. State of Tennessee

E2003-02854-CCA-R3-PC

Petitioner, Jerry W. Dickerson, appeals from the trial court's dismissal of his pro se petition for writ of habeas corpus. Petitioner alleges that his conviction and sentence are void because the trial record was improperly authenticated and contained inaccuracies. Following a review of the record in this matter, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Robert E. Cupp
Johnson County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/01/04
State of Tennessee v. Salvatore Brunetti

M2003-00476-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Salvatore Brunetti, was convicted of voluntary manslaughter. The trial court imposed a sentence of five years in the Department of Correction. In this appeal, the defendant asserts that the trial court erred by denying an alternative sentence. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Allen W. Wallace
Dickson County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/01/04
Robert L. Drew v. State of Tennessee

M2003-00593-CCA-R3-CD

The petitioner, Robert L. Drew, appeals the denial of his petition for post-conviction relief. The issue is whether he was denied the effective assistance of counsel. The judgment of the post-conviction court is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R. Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Steve R. Dozier
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 06/01/04
State of Tennessee v. David Hester

E2003-01507-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, David Hester, pled guilty to statutory rape. The trial court imposed a one-year sentence to be served on supervised probation and directed community service. In this appeal, he asserts that the trial court erred by denying judicial diversion. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge Richard R. Vance
Sevier County Court of Criminal Appeals 05/28/04
State of Tennessee v. Donald Keel

W2003-00638-CCA-R3-CD

The Appellant, Donald Keel, was convicted in the Gibson County Circuit Court of aggravated
perjury, felon in possession of a handgun, and assault. Keel’s sentence for aggravated perjury was imposed consecutively to his concurrent sentences for unlawful weapon possession and assault. On appeal, he raises two issues for our review: (1) whether the evidence is sufficient to support his conviction for aggravated perjury and (2) whether consecutive sentencing is proper. After review of the record, we affirm the conviction and subsequent sentencing decision.

Authoring Judge: Judge David G. Hayes
Originating Judge:Judge Clayburn L. Peeples
Gibson County Court of Criminal Appeals 05/28/04
Robert S. Shipley v. Ryder Truck Rentals, Inc.

E2003-01346-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6- 225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court its findings of fact and conclusions of law. In this appeal the employer complains that the trial court was in error (1) by allowing the surprise live testimony of Dr. C. M. Salekin contrary to the agreement of the parties and the court's prior orders; and (2) in awarding the employee 1 percent permanent disability to the left eye when the employee was legally blind in the left eye prior to the alleged injury and plaintiff failed to prove any loss of use. We disagree and affirm the trial court on these two issues. The employer also complains that the trial court erred in awarding prejudgment interest. We agree and reverse. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (1999) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed in Part, Reversed in Part and Remanded H. DAVID CATE, SP. J., in which WILLIAM M. BARKER, J., and ROGER E. THAYER, Sp. J., joined. Daniel C. Todd, Nashville, Tennessee, for Appellant, Ryder Truck Rental, Inc. David H. Dunaway, LaFollette, Tennessee, for Appellee, Robert S. Shipley MEMORANDUM OPINION I. Factual and Procedural Background The employee, Robert S. Shipley, was fifty-eight years old at the time of trial. He went to the eighth grade in school. He drove a truck, farmed and became a long-haul truck driver. He has been employed as a long-haul truck driver during substantially all of his employed years. He became employed by Ryder Truck Rental, Inc., the employer, in 1998. The employer leased its trucks to Universal Furniture, and the employee began hauling furniture in March 1998. In May 1999, the employee sustained a detached retina of the left eye, while unloading furniture. There was no workers' compensation claim made for this injury. In June 1999, the retina of his left eye again detached. It was reattached surgically on July 3, 1999, by Dr. John Hoskins, an ophthalmologist. On January 1, 2, Dr. Hoskins did a follow-up procedure on the left eye, amounting to a removal of silicone oil from the eye. In February 2, he had another left eye recurrent retinal detachment, which was repaired surgically on February 28, 2. After this surgery on July 24, 2, the vision in his left eye tested at 2/4, which was considered to be legally blind.1 Although he was driving a truck for the employer, the lack of vision would have prohibited him from having a commercial driver's license. On August 1, 2, the employee was driving a truck for the employer when the truck was struck by another vehicle traveling the wrong way on Interstate 75 near Chattanooga, Tennessee. The employee observed the injuries of the other driver and watched as he died. He sustained a head injury on the left-hand side of the door and his eye started quivering. The employee was seen at the Cleveland Community Hospital emergency room the day of the accident. While there, approximately four hours after the accident, the employee had a diastolic blood pressure reading of 113. A normal diastolic reading would be below 85 or 8, depending on the doctor. He has suffered from hypertension for several years. The employee worked approximately three weeks in September 2, but has not worked since. Since the accident the employee has been treated by the following physicians: Dr. Luis C. Pannocchia, family practice doctor; Dr. John C. Hoskins, ophthalmologist; and Dr. Kelley Walker, a psychiatrist. He has been evaluated by the following: Dr. Ben Bursten, a psychiatrist; Dr. C.M. Salekin, a neurologist; and Dr. Norman E. Hankins, a vocational evaluator. The vision in his left eye has decreased since the accident from 2/4 and reading the larger "E" on the chart to counting fingers at two feet and not being able to read the larger "E" on the chart. After this cause was commenced, a scheduling order was entered on May 29, 22, which provided that the parties would disclose their Rule 26 experts and statements and no expert would 1 The employee had a detached retina of the right eye but he has normal vision in that eye. -2-
Authoring Judge: H. David Cate, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:Richard Ladd, Chancellor By Designation
Knox County Workers Compensation Panel 05/28/04