APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

State of Tennessee v. Nicole Beaudion a/k/a Nikki Napier

M2001-01560-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Nicole Beaudion, also known as Nikki Jo Napier, appeals pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 35(b). After pleading guilty to facilitation of especially aggravated robbery, a Class B felony, and agreeing to accept a fifteen-year sentence to be served in the Department of Correction with a 30 percent release eligibility date, the defendant filed a timely Rule 35(b) motion to reduce her sentence to ten years. The trial court denied this motion, and the propriety of this action is now challenged on appeal.

Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Cheryl A. Blackburn
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/13/02
Leah Miller vs. Gary Hill

E2002-02018-COA-R3-CV
Leah Michelle Miller, a minor, was injured while attempting to dismount a trampoline in the yard of a two-story duplex. Her parents, Robert G. Miller and Brenda Gail Miller ("the plaintiffs"), rented the lower unit of the duplex. The Millers sued their landlords, Gary Boyd Hill and Martha Hill ("the Landlords"). They also named as defendants the occupants of the upstairs unit, Steve Cooper and Tanya Caldwell. The suit against these latter two defendants was based upon their ownership of the trampoline. The Landlords moved for summary judgment. They essentially argued that they owed no duty of care to the plaintiffs or their child with respect to the trampoline. The trial court granted the motion and entered a final judgment pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 54.02. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Wheeler A. Rosenbalm
Knox County Court of Appeals 12/13/02
State of Tennessee v. David Earl Palmer

W2001-02515-CCA-R3-CD

Defendant, David Earl Palmer, was convicted by a jury of aggravated burglary and aggravated rape. The trial court sentenced Defendant to five years for the aggravated burglary conviction and twenty-five years for the aggravated rape conviction. In his appeal, Defendant contends that the evidence presented at trial was insufficient to sustain either conviction. After a thorough review of the record, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed McGinley
Carroll County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/13/02
Cynthia Lee Bratton vs. Michael Wayne Bratton

E2002-00432-COA-R3-CV
In divorce action the trial court granted divorce, refused to enforce a postnuptial agreement, divided marital property, awarded alimony and child support. On appeal, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Thomas R. Frierson, II
Hamblen County Court of Appeals 12/13/02
State of Tennessee v. Brenda McKenzie

W2001-03061-CCA-R3-CD

The appellant, Brenda McKenzie, pled guilty in the Chester County Circuit Court to one count of facilitating the manufacture of methamphetamine and one count of possession of anhydrous ammonia, both Class E felonies. The plea agreement provided for concurrent sentences of two years to be served on community corrections. The appellant moved the trial court to waive or suspend the mandatory fines on both offenses. The court denied the motion and the appellant now appeals. 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:Judge Donald H. Allen
Chester County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/13/02
State of Tennessee v. Tina Cunningham

E2002-00571-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Tina Cunningham, was convicted of two counts of introduction of contraband into a penal facility. The trial court imposed a six-year sentence and granted immediate probation. Later, the trial court extended the original six-year sentence by two years when the defendant was convicted of two counts of forgery, but permitted the defendant to remain on probation. The trial court imposed an effective sentence of four years for the forgery convictions, to be served on probation and consecutively to the sentence for introduction of contraband into a penal facility. At some point, the trial court ordered the defendant to complete a drug program. When she failed to do so, the trial court revoked the defendant's probation and ordered her to serve the balance of her sentence in a community corrections program. When the defendant failed to comply with the requirements of the program, the trial court revoked the community corrections sentence and ordered the defendant to serve the balance of her sentence in the Department of Correction. In this appeal as of right, the single question presented for our review is whether the trial court erred by ordering the defendant to fully serve the balance of her sentence. The judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Gary R Wade
Originating Judge:Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.
Blount County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/13/02
Nancy Webber vs. Gary Webber

E2002-01355-COA-R3-CV
The Trial Court held it had jurisdiction over marital property and alimony. Husband argued since the divorce was granted in Nevada, the Nevada Decree was res judicata on these issues. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:William E. Lantrip
Anderson County Court of Appeals 12/12/02
Wanda F. Cherry, et al vs. First State Bank

E2002-00981-COA-R3-CV
Wanda F. Cherry and Daniel R. Greene ("Plaintiffs") are the owners of property located on the parkway in Pigeon Forge. Wayne Burroughs ("Burroughs") owned property adjacent to the Plaintiffs' property, but Burroughs' property did not adjoin the parkway. Burroughs leased Plaintiff's property and used their property and his property to operate a business. During this time, Burroughs borrowed money from First State Bank ("Defendant"). Burroughs' leasehold interest in Plaintiffs' property was part of the collateral for this loan. After Burroughs filed for bankruptcy, his leasehold interest in Plaintiffs' property was sold at auction. Defendant was the highest bidder at the auction. Defendant paid rent for a period of time, but then stopped paying rent. Plaintiffs sued for past due rent. The Trial Court granted summary judgment to Plaintiffs and awarded damages totaling $127,968.60. Defendant appeals the grant of summary judgment to Plaintiffs. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Ben W. Hooper, II
Sevier County Court of Appeals 12/12/02
State of Tennessee v. Adrianne Elizabeth Noles

W2002-01558-CCA-R3-CD

Pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-13-213(a)(1) (1997), the defendant, Adrianne Elizabeth Noles, was charged with vehicular homicide by recklessness in the Haywood County Circuit Court. She submitted a guilty plea to the charge, a Class C felony, and agreed to have the trial court determine the length and manner of service of her sentence. After a sentencing hearing, the trial court imposed a three-year sentence to be served in the Department of Correction.  Aggrieved of the trial court’s rejection of any sentencing alternative to incarceration, she appeals.  We affirm.

Authoring Judge: Judge J. Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Clayburn L. Peeples
Haywood County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/12/02
Jackie Wright & Kimberly Green vs. Azalea Rains

E2002-01107-COA-R3-CV
Cager M. Casey ("Deceased") executed a revocable inter vivos trust agreement in July of 1992. The trust named a number of family members and friends as beneficiaries ("Appellees"). In January of 1999, Deceased executed a will. While this will does not specifically reference the trust, it does direct Deceased's PaineWebber stock be sold at his death and the proceeds given to Jackie L. Wright, Kimberly A. Green ("Appellants") and other members of the Wright family. Deceased owned no stock in PaineWebber. However, the trust was administered by UBS PaineWebber, Inc. ("PaineWebber"). Appellants submitted the 1999 will for probate and were granted letters testamentary. PaineWebber refused to turn over the trust investments absent court order. Appellants sued Appellees and PaineWebber. After trial, the Probate Court entered its judgment on November 29, 2001, holding the 1999 will did not alter the trust and the trust would, by its terms, distribute the trust assets to the trust beneficiaries. Appellants appeal the November 29, 2001 judgment. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:William H. Russell
Loudon County Court of Appeals 12/12/02
State of Tennessee v. Tracy R. Pipes

W2002-00433-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Tracy R. Pipes, appeals the Hardin County Circuit Court's revocation of her drug-offense probation. The court ordered her to serve the effective eight-year sentence in the Department of Correction. Because the record supports the lower court's actions, we affirm.

Authoring Judge: Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge C. Creed McGinley
Hardin County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/12/02
John Robert Benson v. State of Tennessee

M2001-02510-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner was convicted of two counts of attempted first degree murder and three counts of reckless endangerment and received an effective sentence of thirty years. On direct appeal, this court affirmed the petitioner's convictions and sentence. The petitioner now contends that his trial counsel provided ineffective representation. After reviewing the record, we conclude that the petitioner has failed to meet his burden of demonstrating that his trial counsel provided ineffective assistance. Accordingly, we affirm the denial of the petition for post-conviction relief.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge W. Charles Lee
Bedford County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/12/02
In Re: Estate of Donald Henderson, Jeff Henderson vs. Kenneth Henderson

E2002-01155-COA-R3-CV
Donald Ben Henderson ("Deceased") died in 1998. Jeff Henderson ("Appellant") is the Deceased's grandson. Kenneth Henderson ("Appellee") is the Deceased's son. Appellant and Appellee each submitted documents for probate purporting to be the last will and testament of the Deceased. In total, three wills and a revocation were filed with the Probate Court. The Probate Court entered its Order of Probate on October 18, 2001, holding that none of the three documents submitted should be admitted to probate as the Deceased's will. Based upon this determination, the Probate Court held the Deceased died intestate. More than thirty days after October 18, 2001, Appellee filed a motion to excuse the administrator ad litem and requested he be appointed personal representative of the estate. Appellant opposed the motion and filed a will contest. The Probate Court's order of April 23, 2002, appointed Appellee personal representative of the estate and stated its earlier order holding the Deceased died intestate was a final order. Appellant appealed. Appellee argues this Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the appeal because the notice of appeal was filed late. We hold the notice of appeal was not filed timely. We, therefore, are without jurisdiction to hear this appeal and, accordingly, dismiss the appeal.
Authoring Judge: Judge David Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Edwin C. Harris
Monroe County Court of Appeals 12/12/02
E2002-1735-COA-R3-CV

E2002-1735-COA-R3-CV

Originating Judge:L. Marie Williams
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 12/12/02
Taylor & Fleishman vs. Kenneth Seaton

E2002-00075-COA-R3-CV
This is a suit to recover a contractual attorney fee. By virtue of circumstances plaintiff Dudley Taylor had the exclusive standing to contest a petition for the involuntary bankruptcy of Taylor and Associates, LLP, from whom defendant and five other individuals had received preferential payments which were required to be returned to the Trustee if the bankruptcy was approved. Conversely, if the bankruptcy was not approved, the defendant and others similarly situated would retain the preferential payments. The plaintiffs had invested a substantial sum with Taylor and Associates, LLP, but had received no preferences. Dudley Taylor devised a plan whereby, for a fee, he would intervene in the bankruptcy and oppose it, and if he were successful the defendant would retain the preferential payments. The defendant proposed a contract by which the plaintiff, for a non-refundable up-front fee of $100,000.00, and a $200,000.00 additional fee contingent upon success, agreed to oppose the bankruptcy as a party litigant. He was successful, but the defendant refused to pay the fee, asserting the invalidity of the contract on various grounds, including ethical considerations. The Chancellor allowed a recovery. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Sr. Judge William H. Inman
Originating Judge:Sharon J. Bell
Knox County Court of Appeals 12/12/02
State of Tennessee v. Melvin L. Harper

E2001-01089-CCA-R3-CD
The appellant, Melvin L. Harper, was convicted by a jury in the Criminal Court of Sullivan County of aggravated robbery, a Class B felony. The appellant was sentenced as a Range II multiple offender to twenty years incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the appellant challenges: (1) the sufficiency of the evidence to support his conviction of armed robbery; (2) the trial court's granting of the State's motion to amend the indictment on the day of trial; (3) the wording of the trial court's jury instructions regarding lesser-included offenses; and (4) the sentence imposed by the trial court. After a careful review of the record and the parties' briefs, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Phyllis H. Miller
Sullivan County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/12/02
Sandra Kay Powers, et al. v. American Interstate Insurance Company, et al

W2001-02751-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. In this appeal, the employer insists the competent evidence preponderates against the trial court's finding that the deaths of two employees occurred in the course of their employment and in favor of a finding that the employees had materially deviated from their employment at the time of their deaths in a vehicular accident. As discussed below, the panel has concluded the judgment of the trial court should be affirmed. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e) (21 Supp.) Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Chancery Court Affirmed JOE C. LOSER, JR., SP. J., in which JANICE M. HOLDER, J., and W. MICHAEL MALOAN, SP. J., joined. Stephen Craig Kennedy, Selmer, Tennessee, for the appellants, Staton's Home Furnishings and American Interstate Insurance Company Art D. Wells, Jackson, Tennessee, for the appellee, Sandra Kay Powers, as guardian and next friend of Jessica Witherspoon, Billy Joe Witherspoon and Cody Witherspoon, minor children of David Witherspoon, deceased Gayden Drew, Jackson, Tennessee, for the appellee, Robbie McEwen, administrator of the Estate of Timothy Gallimore, deceased MEMORANDUM OPINION By these consolidated civil actions, the claimants sued to recover workers' compensation benefits, as provided by the Workers' Compensation Act, Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6- 11 et seq, for the accidental deaths of David Witherspoon and Charles Timothy Gallimore on July 29, 1999. The employer, Staton's Home Furnishings, and its insurer, American Interstate Insurance Company, denied liability. After a trial on the merits, the trial court awarded death benefits to the estate of Gallimore and dependents' benefits to the children of Witherspoon. The employer and its insurer have appealed. For injuries occurring on or after July 1, 1985, appellate review is de novo upon the record of the trial court, accompanied by a presumption of correctness of the findings of fact, unless the preponderance of the evidence is otherwise. Tenn. Code Ann. _ 5-6-225(e)(2) (21 Supp.). The reviewing court is required to conduct an independent examination of the record to determine where the preponderance of the evidence lies.
Authoring Judge: Joe C. Loser, Jr., Sp. J.
Originating Judge:George R. Ellis, Chancellor
Gibson County Workers Compensation Panel 12/11/02
State of Tennessee v. James Charles Cavaye

M2001-02154-CCA-R3-CD

Following a jury trial, Defendant, James Charles Cavaye, was convicted of first degree felony murder and especially aggravated robbery. He was sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder, and to a consecutive sentence of twenty-four years for the especially aggravated robbery. In this appeal as of right, Defendant contends that (1) the trial court failed to fulfill its role as the thirteenth juror; (2) the accomplice's testimony was insufficiently corroborated; (3) the trial court erred in applying enhancement factors in setting Defendant's sentence for especially aggravated robbery; and (4) the trial court erred in ordering Defendant's sentences to run consecutively. Based upon our review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Steve R. Dozier
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/11/02
State of Tennessee v. Carlos E. Bryan

M2001-02705-CCA-R3-CD

This is yet another case in which the parties have been ensnared in the procedural pitfalls of a certified question of law. Defendant entered a negotiated plea of guilty to possession of over seventy pounds of marijuana with intent to sell or deliver with an agreed sentence of eight years. He attempted to reserve a certified question of law pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 37(b)(2)(iv), "with the consent of the court," relating to the search and seizure of the contraband. Because the defendant entered a negotiated plea of guilty and neither the judgment nor the order of the court reflects the state's consent to the certified question, we must dismiss the appeal.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joe G. Riley
Originating Judge:Judge Timothy L. Easter
Williamson County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/11/02
Ray Wright v. Brittany Pate

11-01-135-M

Originating Judge:A. Andrew Jackson
Dickson County Court of Appeals 12/11/02
City of Oak Hill v. AAMP

M2001-00688-COA-R3-CV
This appeal concerns the City of Oak Hill's efforts to enforce its exclusively residential zoning restrictions over a parcel of land situated at the city's eastern border. The city appeals the trial court's finding that "parcel 109" was located outside of Oak Hill's city boundary and, therefore, not subject to the city's zoning ordinances. We affirm the action of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge William B. Cain
Originating Judge:Carol L. Mccoy
Davidson County Court of Appeals 12/11/02
James Staggs v. Lori Staggs

M2001-01192-COA-R3-CV
The trial court transferred custody of the parties' two children from the mother to the father. The mother argues on appeal that there was no change of circumstances to support a change of custody, and no proof that the change would be in the best interest of the children. We affirm the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Leonard W. Martin
Dickson County Court of Appeals 12/11/02
Peter Zabaski v. Mary Ann Zabaski

M2001-02013-COA-R3-CV
The trial court granted a divorce to the parents of an only child with a history of severe medical problems, and awarded them joint custody. The wife contends on appeal that the trial court's order of custody and visitation was not in the child's best interest. She also argues that the court erred by setting the husband's child support obligation too low, and by failing to award her alimony in futuro. We affirm the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Ben H. Cantrell
Originating Judge:Marietta M. Shipley
Davidson County Court of Appeals 12/11/02
F. T. Greer v. Joseph Marci

M2001-02536-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from the denial of the Chancery Court of Sumner County of Plaintiffs' request for an injunction. The dispute involves the construction of a brick entranceway which connects a county road to Defendants' driveway easement over the Plaintiffs' property. The entranceway lies within the "metes and bounds" of a county road. The Chancellor refused to grant an injunction ordering removal of the entranceway holding that the county was the only party with standing to seek removal of obstructions within the right-of-way of a county road. We disagree with the Chancellor and find that the Plaintiffs own fee simple title to the pertinent portion of the right-of-way and therefore have standing to assert their ownership rights independent of the county. We therefore reverse the finding of the Chancellor and remand the case for further proceedings.
Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas W. Graham
Originating Judge:Tom E. Gray
Sumner County Court of Appeals 12/11/02
Sandra Sparkman & Joe Sparkman vs. Bluecross Blueshield

E2002-00932-COA-R3-CV
Plaintiffs' action was dismissed by the Trial Court on the grounds plaintiffs failed to exhaust administrative appeals. On appeal, we Vacate and Remand.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel P. Franks
Originating Judge:Samuel H. Payne
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 12/11/02