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| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | |
| James Meyers v. Continental Casualty Company
E1999-01593-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated _ 5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The appellant-employer appealed the trial court's ruling finding the appellee-employee was entitled to an award of permanent disability benefits at 6 percent to the left hand. On appeal, appellant argues the award should have been confined to a scheduled member, the left thumb. The employee insists the appeal is frivolous. Judgment of the trial court is affirmed as the injury to the left thumb causes an unusual and extraordinary condition affecting the hand. The appeal is not found to be frivolous.
Authoring Judge: Thayer, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:Howell N. Peoples, Chancellor |
Knox County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/11/00 | |
| Samuel D. Nunley v. Carrier Corporation
M1999-01640-WC-R3-CV
The sole issue in this workers' compensation appeal is whether the chancellor erred in finding that the plaintiff's injury arose out of his employment with Carrier Corporation. This panel affirms the decision of the trial judge.
Authoring Judge: Kurtz, Sp.J.
Originating Judge:Jeffrey F. Stewart, Chancellor |
Grundy County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/11/00 | |
| Fred Petitt v. Associated General Contractors Self-
E1999-00367-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 of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The appellant-insurance fund appealed the trial court's award of 35% disability to the body as a whole under T.C.A. _ 5-6-241(a)(2) after a reconsideration hearing. On appeal, appellant argues the award was improper because it was not established that the loss of employment was causally related to his injury and that the increased award was excessive. Judgment of the trial court is affirmed as recent ruling in Niziol v. Lockheed Martin Energy Systems, Inc. by the Supreme Court controls the reconsideration issue and award was reasonable and not excessive.
Authoring Judge: Thayer, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:W. Frank Brown III, Chancellor |
Knox County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/11/00 | |
| Massengill v. Liberty Mutual Ins. Co.
E1999-01180-WC-R3-CV
This workers' compensation appeal has been referred to the Special Workers' Compensation Appeals Panel of the Supreme Court in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated _ 5-6-225(e)(3) for hearing and reporting to the Supreme Court of findings of fact and conclusions of law. The appellant-employer appealed the trial court's ruling awarding appellee-employee 75 percent permanent disability benefits to his right arm. On appeal, appellant argues the award should have been fixed to the body as a whole since the injury was mainly to the employee's right shoulder. Judgment is modified to fix the award at 12 percent disability to the body as a whole as an injury to an extremity or shoulder is not a scheduled member.
Authoring Judge: Thayer, Sp. J.
Originating Judge:James B. Scott, Jr., Circuit Judge |
Knox County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/11/00 | |
| State vs. Ronald Jerome Butler
M1999-01034-CCA-R3-CD
Ronald Jerome Butler was convicted by a jury in the Davidson County Criminal Court of one count of aggravated kidnapping and one count of aggravated robbery, both class B felonies. For the offense of aggravated kidnapping, the trial court sentenced the appellant as a Range I offender to ten years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction, requiring him to serve one hundred percent of his sentence in confinement. For the offense of aggravated robbery, the trial court sentenced the appellant to ten years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction, requiring him to serve thirty percent of his sentence in confinement. The trial court further ordered that the sentences be served consecutively. On appeal, the appellant raises the following issues for review: (1) whether his conviction of aggravated kidnapping violates principles of due process; and (2) whether the trial court erred in sentencing him. 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:Seth W. Norman |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/11/00 | |
| 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 | |
| State vs. James Ellison Rouse
M1999-01807-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant was convicted of two counts of first degree murder and two counts of attempted first degree murder as the result of a shooting spree at Richland High School. The defendant, then seventeen, was tried and convicted as an adult, and sentenced to two consecutive life without the possibility of parole terms plus fifty years. The additional fifty-year term is modified to forty-two years. We affirm the two consecutive life without the possibility of parole terms holding that if a jury unanimously finds the existence of at least one aggravating circumstance beyond a reasonable doubt, then in its considered discretion, the jury may sentence the defendant to either life imprisonment or life without the possibility of parole absent a showing of "gross abuse of discretion."
Authoring Judge: Judge John Everett Williams
Originating Judge:Jim Travis Hamilton |
Maury County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/10/00 | |
| In Re: Estate of Bernie Riggs
W1999-01905-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from a dispute over the disposition of the assets of Bernie F. Riggs ("Husband"). Plaintiff Julia Mae Riggs ("Wife") filed suit, alleging that Defendant Campbell ("Daughter") had used undue influence and had improperly disposed of Husband's assets through a power of attorney. The trial court found in favor of Daughter, holding that all transactions were valid and in accordance with Husband's wishes. Wife appeals.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Lee Moore |
Dyer County | Court of Appeals | 08/10/00 | |
| State vs. Cecil L. Groomes, et al
M1998-00122-CCA-R3-CD
The defendants were convicted in Williamson County of especially aggravated robbery from an incident occurring at the Cool Springs Mall. Defendant Akins was sentenced to twenty years and fined $1,000, while defendant Groomes was sentenced to twenty-two years and fined $4,000. Both timely appealed, raising as issues whether Akins should have been transferred from juvenile court and tried as an adult, whether the prosecutor improperly excused a potential juror and made prejudicial statements in closing argument, whether the court properly instructed the jury, whether the evidence was sufficient, whether the victim's family and friends had improper contact with the jurors, and whether the defendants received appropriate sentences. Based upon our review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Donald P. Harris |
Williamson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/10/00 | |
| State vs. David B. Gardner
M1999-02337-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant was indicted for seven counts of forgery. He was subsequently tried by a Robertson County jury and found guilty of all counts, and the trial court sentenced him as a career offender to an effective sentence of twenty-four years. In this appeal as of right, the Defendant argues that the trial court erred by concluding that the evidence establishing venue was sufficient to support his convictions and by sentencing him improperly. We hold that the State carried its burden of proving venue by a preponderance of the evidence and that the trial court properly sentenced the Defendant. Accordingly, we affirm the conviction.
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:John H. Gasaway, III |
Robertson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/10/00 | |
| State vs. Frederick Gonzalez
M1999-00165-CCA-R3-CD
The Defendant appeals as of right from his conviction of simple possession of cocaine. He argues that the trial court erred in failing to suppress the evidence used to convict him because the evidence was the fruit of an unlawful seizure. We agree; accordingly, we reverse the Defendant's conviction and dismiss the case against him.
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Henry Denmark Bell |
Williamson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/10/00 |