Bonny Browne v. Alexander Lee Browne, Jr.
E2013-01706-COA-R3-CV
In this divorce action, Wife appeals the trial court’s valuation of Husband’s ownership interest in three businesses, determination of Husband’s income, division of marital assets, duration of rehabilitative alimony awarded to her, amount of child support Husband was ordered to pay, and the amount of attorney’s fees awarded to her. We determine that the trial court accepted the calculation of a $134,085.00 promissory note as a liability for one business co-owned by Husband but failed to require value of the same amount as a note receivable for the business collecting payment on the debt, owned 50% by Husband. We therefore increase the trial court’s valuation of the business collecting payment on the debt by one-half the amount of the applicable note receivable, or $67,042.50. We also determine that the trial court erred by attributing to Husband the full liability for the third business, a limited liability company in which Husband owns a one-half interest. We accordingly reduce the allocation for that liability by one-half, or $45,689.50, increasing the total modification of the value of Husband’s net assets awarded by the trial court by the amount of $112,732.00. We award to Wife 48% of this increase, or $54,111.36, commensurate with what we determine to be the trial court’s equitable distribution of marital property, and we remand for a determination regarding the proper method of distribution for this additional award to Wife. We affirm the trial court’s judgment in all other respects.
Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II
Originating Judge:Judge Jacqueline S. Bolton |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 08/27/14 | |
Malinda Annette Stills v. Chadburn Ober Harmon
E2014-01180-COA-R3-CV
This is an appeal from a Restraining Order entered on May 20, 2014. The Notice of Appeal was not filed until June 20, 2014, thirty-one (31) days after the date of entry of the Restraining Order. Because the Notice of Appeal was not timely filed, we have no jurisdiction to consider this appeal.
Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas R. Frierson, II
Originating Judge:Judge Douglas T. Jenkins |
Greene County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/27/14 | |
Courtney Watkins v. State of Tennessee
W2013-02046-CCA-R3-PC
The Petitioner, Courtney Watkins, appeals from the denial of post-conviction relief by the Criminal Court for Shelby County. He was convicted of especially aggravated robbery and sentenced to twenty-three years’ imprisonment in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the Petitioner argues that he received ineffective assistance of counsel and that the post-conviction court erred in denying his motion for continuance. Upon our review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Camille R. McMullen
Originating Judge:Judge J. Robert Carter Jr. |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/27/14 | |
Michael Williams v. Michael Donahue, Warden
W2013-02146-CCA-R3-HC
Petitioner, Michael Williams, was convicted of rape in 2001 by a Shelby County jury. As a result, he was sentenced as a violent offender to serve thirty years in incarceration. Petitioner’s conviction was affirmed on direct appeal. See State v. Michael Williams, No. W2001-01925-CCA-R3-CD, 2002 WL 1349520 (Tenn. Crim. App., at Jackson, June 20, 2002). Appellant subsequently sought post-conviction relief. The petition for postconviction relief was denied. See Michael Williams v. State, No. W2005-01810-CCA-R3- PC, 2006 WL 3371404 (Tenn. Crim. App., at Jackson, Nov. 20, 2006), perm. app. denied, (Tenn. Mar. 19, 2007). Petitioner filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus in Hardeman County, alleging that the 2001 judgment is void because he was sentenced as a career offender. The habeas corpus court denied relief, dismissing the petition without a hearing after determining that Petitioner’s sentence had not expired. After a review of the record, we conclude that the habeas corpus court properly dismissed the petition for relief where Petitioner failed to show that the judgment was void or that his sentence had expired. For those reasons, the judgment of the habeas corpus court is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker III |
Hardeman County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/27/14 | |
State of Tennessee v. Rodregus Carter
W2013-00850-CCA-R3-CD
Appellant, Rodregus Carter, was convicted by a Shelby County jury for aggravated burglary and theft of property valued over $1,000. The trial court sentenced Appellant as a Range III, Persistent Offender to thirteen years for the aggravated burglary conviction and twelve years for the theft of property conviction, to be served concurrently, for a total effective sentence of thirteen years. After the denial of a motion for new trial, Appellant presents the following issues on appeal: (1) whether the trial court improperly denied the motion to suppress his statement; (2) whether the evidence was sufficient to support the convictions; (3) whether the trial court improperly admitted the testimony of the victim with regard to her health condition; (4) whether the trial court improperly sentenced Appellant as a Range III, Persistent Offender; and (5) whether Appellant’s sentence was excessive. After a review of the record and applicable authorities, we determine that Appellant’s issues are without merit. Accordingly, the judgments of the trial court are affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge James C. Beasley Jr. |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/27/14 | |
Travis Davison v. State of Tennessee
W2013-02048-CCA-R3-CO
The petitioner, Travis Davison, appeals the trial court’s summary dismissal of his motion to correct an illegal sentence, asserting that his sentence was illegal in that he received a shorter term than that mandated by statute. The State agrees that the petitioner has made a colorable claim that his sentence is illegal and that the matter should be remanded. After review, we remand the case for the appointment of counsel and an evidentiary hearing pursuant to Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 36.1.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge John W. Campbell |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/27/14 | |
Stacy Lee Fleming v. State of Tennessee
W2013-02160-CCA-R3-PC
The Petitioner, Stacy Lee Fleming, appeals the Tipton County Circuit Court’s denial of postconviction relief from his conviction for delivery of .5 grams or more of cocaine. On appeal, the Petitioner argues that he received ineffective assistance of counsel. Upon review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Camille R. McMullen
Originating Judge:Judge Joe H. Walker III |
Tipton County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/27/14 | |
Daniel P. Rousos v. Kristi Boren (f/k/a Rousos)
M2013-01568-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises out of contentious post-divorce proceedings. The parties had equal parenting time with their three sons. Both parents filed a petition to modify the parenting plan and sought to be named primary residential parent. The parties also filed competing petitions for contempt. Following a five-day trial, the trial court named Father the primary residential parent of the oldest son, but it continued the parties’ equal parenting arrangement for the two younger sons. The trial court found Father guilty of two counts of criminal contempt. The court also made an award of attorney’s fees to Mother. Both parties appeal. We dismiss the appeal of the contempt order for lack of a final judgment. We affirm the custody order, vacate the award of attorney’s fees, and remand for further proceedings
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Chancellor Robbie T. Beal |
Williamson County | Court of Appeals | 08/26/14 | |
In Re Kyla P.
M2013-02205-COA-R3-PT
Father appeals the termination of parental rights to his child. The maternal grandparents obtained custody of the child shortly after her birth due to evidence of drugs in the child’s bloodstream. When the child was one year of age, Father was incarcerated and remained so two years later when the maternal grandparents filed a petition for termination of parental rights. The juvenile court found statutory grounds for termination of Father’s parental rights and concluded that it was in the child’s best interest to terminate Father’s parental rights. On appeal, Father argues that the evidence did not support the juvenile court’s conclusion that termination of Father’s parental rights is in the child’s best interest. We disagree and affirm the juvenile court’s termination of Father’s parental rights.
Authoring Judge: Judge W. Neal McBrayer
Originating Judge:Judge Charles B. Tatum |
Wilson County | Court of Appeals | 08/26/14 | |
Candace D. Watson v. The City of Jackson
W2013-01364-COA-R3-CV
Plaintiff in a premises liability action appeals from the trial court’s finding that she was more than fifty percent at fault for her injury. Discerning no error, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Steven Stafford
Originating Judge:Judge Roy B. Morgan, Jr. |
Madison County | Court of Appeals | 08/26/14 | |
First Tennessee Bank National Association v. Shelby Village Mobile Home Park, LLC, Et Al
M2012-02267-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from the trial court’s grant of summary judgment and imposition of discovery sanctions. A bank sued holders of an assumption agreement for default, and the holders of the assumption agreement filed a counter-claim against the bank requesting rescission of the assumption agreementduetothe bank’s alleged negligentmisrepresentation of the existence of flood insurance on the property as well as a misrepresentation regarding the value of the property. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the bank and imposed discovery sanctions against the holders of the assumption agreement. Finding no genuine issues of material fact, we affirm the trial court’s grant of summary judgment. In addition, we have reviewed the record and cannot say the trial court abused its discretion
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Vanessa Agee Jackson
Originating Judge:Chancellor Tom E. Gray |
Court of Appeals | 08/26/14 | ||
Jeremiah David Hawk v. Erika Leigh Hawk (Ricker)
E2013-02458-COA-R3-CV
This post-divorce appeal concerns a parenting plan that provided for equal time between the Parents, who subsequently filed competing petitions to modify, claiming that a material change in circumstances necessitated a change in the parenting plan. The trial court found that a change in circumstances had not yet occurred but awarded Mother approximately 12.5 days of additional parenting time after deciding that the Child should attend school in Mother’s county. Father appeals. We affirm the trial court’s decision.
Authoring Judge: Judge John W. McClarty
Originating Judge:Judge Jon Kerry Blackwood |
Greene County | Court of Appeals | 08/26/14 | |
Dennis Michael Harris et al. v. Mickey Deanne Haynes et al.
E2012-02213-SC-R11-CV
We granted permission to appeal to determine whether a governmental fund established in accordance with Tennessee Code Annotated sections 29-20-401 to -408 (2012), which allows governmental entities to pool resources in order to address liabilities created under the Governmental Tort Liability Act, is subject to the uninsured motorist coverage requirements of Tennessee Code Annotated sections 56-7-1201 to -1206 (2008). We hold that such funds are statutorily exempt from the insurance statutes and therefore the requirements of the uninsured motorist statute do not apply. Accordingly, we affirm the Court of Appeals’ judgment upholding the trial court’s decision granting summary judgment to Tennessee Risk Management Trust and remand to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with this decision.
Authoring Judge: Justice Cornelia A. Clark
Originating Judge:Judge Donald R. Elledge |
Anderson County | Supreme Court | 08/26/14 | |
Re/Max-Carriage v. Matthew McLaughlin, Et Al.
M2013-01982-COA-R3-CV
Lessor sued lessees for failure to payrent and received a default judgment in general sessions court. Lessee appealed to circuit court and filed a counterclaim for failure to maintain the premises and make repairs. The trial court found for lessor. Lessees appealed. Due to the lack of a transcript or a proper statement of the evidence, we must affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Judge Royce Taylor |
Rutherford County | Court of Appeals | 08/26/14 | |
Barry Wood v. Decatur County Tennessee
W2013-02470-COA-R3-CV
Applicant filed a petition for writ of certiorari against Decatur County challenging the denial of his beer permit application. The trial court reversed the decision of the local beer board on the basis that the sale of beer was allowed due to Decatur County’s status as a Tennessee River resort district. Because we conclude that Decatur County’s ordinance restricting the sale of beer within two thousand feet of a church remains in effect despite Decatur County’s status as a Tennessee River resort district, we reverse the decision of the trial court. Reversed and remanded.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Steven Stafford
Originating Judge:Judge Charles C. McGinley |
Decatur County | Court of Appeals | 08/25/14 | |
Annette Tran Hamby v. State of Tennessee
E2013-02383-CCA-R3-PC
The Petitioner, Annette Tran Hamby, appeals the Bradley County Criminal Court’s denial of her petition for post-conviction relief from her 2008 conviction for first degree murder and resulting life sentence. The Petitioner contends that the post-conviction court erred by denying her relief because she received the ineffective assistance of counsel. Specifically, she alleges that trial counsel was ineffective for failing to request an independent mental evaluation to rebut the evaluation presented by the prosecution at trial. After considering the record and the applicable authorities, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Carroll L. Ross |
Bradley County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/25/14 | |
Edwin Dennison, et al. v. Glenna Overton
E2013-02290-COA-R3-CV
Edwin Dennison, Kaye Dennison, Joel Campbell, and Christine Campbell (“Plaintiffs”) sued attorney Glenna Overton (“Defendant”) for legal malpractice. Defendant filed a motion for summary judgment alleging that Plaintiffs’ claim was barred by the statute of limitations and that Defendant’s actions were not the proximate cause of any loss to Plaintiffs. After a hearing, the Circuit Court for Blount County (“the Trial Court”) granted Defendant summary judgment after finding and holding, inter alia, that Plaintiffs had notice of the alleged negligence and the fact that Plaintiffs had suffered an injury by August of 2009 and, therefore, the suit filed on September 21, 2010 was barred by the applicable one year statute of limitations. Plaintiffs appeal to this Court raising issues regarding whether the Trial Court erred in finding their suit barred by the statute of limitations and whether the Trial Court erred in finding that Plaintiffs could not prove that Defendant’s actions were the proximate cause of any loss to Plaintiffs. We find and hold, as did the Trial Court, that Plaintiffs were on notice of the alleged negligence and loss in August of 2009 and that their suit, therefore, was barred by the statute of limitations. We affirm the Trial Court’s judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge D. Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Judge David R. Duggan |
Blount County | Court of Appeals | 08/25/14 | |
Anthony Brown v. State of Tennessee
W2013-01611-CCA-R3-PC
The Petitioner, Anthony Brown, appeals the Shelby County Criminal Court’s denial of postconviction relief from his convictions for possession with intent to deliver cocaine and possession of marijuana and resulting twenty-year sentence. He contends that he received the ineffective assistance of counsel at trial, specifically, that trial counsel failed (1) to crossexamine the State’s witnesses regarding trial testimony that was inconsistent with that given at the preliminary hearing and (2) to question witnesses about drug paraphernalia found at the scene, in keeping with his defense strategy. After considering the record and the relevant authorities, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge D. Kelly Thomas
Originating Judge:Judge Lee V. Coffee |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/25/14 | |
State of Tennessee v. David Orlando Avinger
M2013-01643-CCA-R3-CD
Appellant, David Orlando Avinger, was indicted by a Davidson County grand jury for first degree premeditated murder, first degree felony murder, and especially aggravated robbery. After a jury trial, Appellant was convicted of the lesser included offense of second degree murder, as well as the charged offenses of felony murder and especially aggravated robbery. The trial court merged the convictions for second degree murder and felony murder, and Appellant was sentenced to an effective life sentence. On appeal, Appellant challenges the sufficiency of the convicting evidence and alleges that the trial court impermissibly limited defense counsel’s cross-examination of a witness. After reviewing the record, we find that the evidence was sufficient to convict Appellant and that there was no error in the ruling of the trial court related to the limitation of the witness’s testimony. Accordingly, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Mark Fishburn |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/25/14 | |
Michael Corey Peterson v. McMillan's Roofing and HVAC
E2013-02130-SC-R3-WC
After recovering from a work-related injury, the employee returned to work for his pre-injury employer but resigned after only a few days. Later, he made a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. At the conclusion of the proof, the trial court ruled that the employee was deprived of a meaningful return to work and awarded benefits in excess of one and one-half times his physical medical impairment rating. The employer has appealed, asserting that the trial court erred by so finding and that the one and one-half times cap should apply. The appeal has been referred to the Special Workers’ Compensation Appeals Panel for a hearing and a report of findings of fact and conclusions of law pursuant to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 51. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Chief Justice Gary R. Wade
Originating Judge:Chancellor John F. Weaver |
Knox County | Workers Compensation Panel | 08/25/14 | |
Middle TN Rehabilitation Hospital, LLC. v. Health Services & Development Agency, et al.
M2013-02180-COA-R3-CV
This appeal arises from a petition for judicial review of the Tennessee Health Services and Development Agency’s decision to deny one and grant the other of two competing applications for a certificate of need to establish a rehabilitation hospital. Discerning no error, we affirm the chancery court’s order upholding the agency’s decision.
Authoring Judge: Special Judge Amy V. Hollars
Originating Judge:Judge Russell T. Perkins |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 08/22/14 | |
State of Tennessee v. Brian Gauldin
W2013-02226-CCA-R3-CD
Appellant, Brian Gauldin, was indicted by the Dyer County Grand Jury for two counts of the sale of .5 grams or less of cocaine in a drug free zone, one count of the sale of a schedule III controlled substance in a drug free zone, and one count of the sale of .5 grams of more of cocaine in a drug free zone. Prior to trial, the State chose to nolle prosequi one count of the sale of .5 grams or less of cocaine in a drug free zone and one count of the sale of a schedule III controlled substance in a drug free zone. After a jury trial, Appellant was found guilty of one count of the sale of .5 grams or more of cocaine in a drug free zone and one count of the sale of .5 grams or less of cocaine in a drug free zone. Appellant was sentenced to an effective sentence of twenty years as a Range IV, Persistent Offender. Appellant appeals, arguing that the evidence was insufficient to support the convictions. After a review of the record and applicable authorities, we determine that the evidence was sufficient to support the convictions. Consequently, the judgments of the trial court are affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Lee Moore |
Dyer County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/22/14 | |
Kenneth D. Hardy v. Tennessee State University, et al.
M2013-02103-COA-R3-CV
Former police officer at Tennessee State University filed suit against the university, the Tennessee Board of Regents, and the chief of the university police department under the Tennessee Human Rights Act,the Tennessee Public Protection Act,and Title VIIof the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The trial court granted the defendants’ motion for summary judgment and former officer appeals. We vacate the order granting summary judgment and remand the case for further proceedings.
Authoring Judge: Judge Richard H. Dinkins
Originating Judge:Judge Carol Soloman |
Davidson County | Court of Appeals | 08/22/14 | |
Christopher Fielder v. State of Tennessee
W2013-02252-CCA-R3-PC
The Petitioner, Christopher Fielder, appeals from the Shelby County Criminal Court’s denial of post-conviction relief, contending that he received the ineffective assistance of counsel at trial. Specifically, the Petitioner alleges that trial counsel failed to request a jury instruction on merger of the offenses, tasking it with determining whether the kidnapping of the victim was beyond that necessary to complete the especially aggravated robbery. After considering the record and the applicable authorities, we affirm the judgment of the postconviction court.
Authoring Judge: Judge D. Kelly Thomas
Originating Judge:Judge John W. Campbell |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/22/14 | |
State of Tennessee v. Ladarron S. Gaines
M2013-02272-CCA-R3-CD
A Davidson County Criminal Court Jury convicted the appellant, Ladarron S. Gaines, of evading arrest while operating a motor vehicle in which the flight or attempt to elude created a risk of death or injury to innocent bystanders or other third parties, a Class D felony. After a sentencing hearing, the trial court sentenced him as a Range II, multiple offender to eight years in confinement. On appeal, the appellant contends that the evidence is insufficient to support the conviction, that the trial court erred by denying his motion to exclude testimony regarding a surveillance video, and that his sentence is excessive. Based upon the record and the parties’ briefs, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Cheryl A. Blackburn |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 08/22/14 |