APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

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Rocky Top Realty, Inc., v. Debra Young, et al

E2011-01966-COA-R3-CV

This is the second appeal in this case. In the first appeal we held that the parties did not have a contract for the sale of the property, and we remanded it back to the Trial Court to determine a reasonable fee in quantum meruit for the plaintiff as the facilitator of the sale. Upon remand, the Trial Court heard proof and held that plaintiff was entitled to a 6% commission on the sale price. On appeal, we affirm the Judgment as modified.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel Pickens Franks
Originating Judge:Chancellor Michael W. Moyers
Knox County Court of Appeals 09/13/12
Leah Austin v. A-1 Used Restaurant Equipment, Inc.

E2011-02323-COA-R3-CV

Plaintiff purchased a vent hood from defendant. The hood was paid for at the time of purchase and delivered, but was returned to defendant as being unworkable. Plaintiff brought this action for reimbursement of payment for the hood in Sessions Court. Sessions Court entered a Judgment for plaintiff and defendant appealed to the Circuit Court. The Circuit Judge entered Judgment for the plaintiff for $3,500 for the amount paid for the hood to defendant. On appeal, we affirm the Trial Court's Judgment. 

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel Pickens Franks
Originating Judge:Judge Jean Stanley
Washington County Court of Appeals 09/13/12
Cass Rye & Associates, Inc. v. Edward Coleman, et al.

M2011-01738-COA-R3-CV

Plaintiff in suit seeking to have court declare boundaries of fifteen acre tract of land appeals
the declaration of boundaries and award of the tract to Defendants, adjoining landowners.
Defendants appeal finding that Plaintiff adversely possessed a portion of the fifteen acre
tract. Finding no error, we affirm.

Authoring Judge: Judge Richard H. Dinkins
Originating Judge:Chancellor Robert E. Burch
Houston County Court of Appeals 09/13/12
Jeffery Allen v. State of Tennessee

W2011-01666-CCA-R3-PC

Jeffery D. Allen (“the Petitioner”) filed for post-conviction relief, challenging his convictions for first degree felony murder, criminally negligent homicide, facilitation of attempted first degree murder, and attempted especially aggravated robbery. As his bases for relief, he alleged several grounds of ineffective assistance of counsel at trial. After an evidentiary hearing, the post-conviction court denied relief, and this appeal followed. On appeal, the Petitioner asserts that trial counsel (1) failed to call two witnesses to testify at trial, (2) failed to adequately cross-examine a witness, and (3) failed to move to sever the Petitioner’s offenses prior to trial. Upon a thorough review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jeffrey S. Bivins
Originating Judge:Judge Clayburn Peeples
Crockett County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/13/12
Ezra Williams v. Stephen Leon Williams, et al.

E2012-00162-COA-R3-CV

In January of 2011, Ezra Williams (“Plaintiff”) sued Stephen Leon Williams and Regions Bank . Plaintiff died in May of 2011. Regions Bank filed a Suggestion of Death. No motion for substitution of proper party was made within ninety days after Plaintiff’s death was suggested upon the record. In July of 2011, the attorney who had represented Plaintiff prior to Plaintiff’s death filed a Motion for Voluntary Dismissal. In October of 2011, Regions Bank filed a Motion for Summary Judgment. The Trial Court granted the Motion for Voluntary Dismissal without prejudice. Regions Bank appeals to this Court. We hold that the Trial Court should have dismissed the case pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 25.01 for failure to timely move for substitution of proper party. We, therefore, vacate the Trial Court’s judgment and dismiss this case pursuant to Tenn. R. Civ. P. 25.01.

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Chancellor E.G. Moody
Sullivan County Court of Appeals 09/12/12
Bobby Lee Scales Jr. v. Dwight Barbee, Warden

W2012-00163-CCA-R3-HC

Petitioner, Bobby Lee Scales, Jr., filed a pro se etition for habeas corpus relief attacking two convictions of theft in Davidson County and one conviction of theft in Williamson County. The habeas corpus trial court dismissed the petition without an evidentiary hearing, and Petitioner appeals. After a thorough review of the record and the briefs, we affirm the judgment of the habeas corpus trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Joseph H. Walker
Lauderdale County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/12/12
Ron Littlefield, et al. v. Hamilton County Election Commission, et al.

E2012-00489-COA-R3-CV

This is the second time the attempt to recall Chattanooga’s mayor has been before this court. In the initial appeal, we concluded the trial court acted prematurely and without jurisdiction when it enjoined the election commission from placing the recall issue on the ballot, because the election commission, at that point in time, had not formally decided whether or not to certify the recall petition. After we vacated the void judgment of the trial court, the election commission certified the recall petition and the mayor again filed suit seeking a declaratory judgment that the petition process was flawed and to enjoin the placement of the recall issue on the ballot. The trial court found that the petition seeking the recall of the mayor is invalid and illegal because it does not comply with all the requirements of Tennessee Code Annotated section 2-5-151. The leaders of the recall effort appeal. We affirm in part and reverse in part.

Authoring Judge: Judge John W. McClarty
Originating Judge:Judge W. Jeffery Hollingsworth
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 09/12/12
Roger Brent Banks v. State of Tennessee

M2011-02620-CCA-R3-PC

Petitioner, Roger Brent Banks, was indicted by the Davidson County Grand Jury for six counts of aggravated sexual battery and one count of solicitation of sexual exploitation of a minor. Petitioner pled guilty to three counts of aggravated sexual battery. The remaining counts were dismissed. As part of the plea agreement, Petitioner received an effective sentence of sixteen years at 100%, and was ordered to lifetime supervision after the service of the sentence. Petitioner sought post-conviction relief on the basis that his sentences were void and illegal. The petition was dismissed as untimely. Petitioner appeals. After a review of the record, we determine that the petition was properly dismissed as untimely as Petitioner failed to show any reason that the statute of limitations should be tolled. As a result, the judgment of the post-conviction court is affirmed.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge J. Randall Wyatt, Jr.
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/12/12
State of Tennessee v. Andrew Helton

M2012-00250-CCA-R3-CD

This matter is before the Court upon the State’s motion to dismiss or in the alternative to affirm the judgment of the trial court by memorandum opinion pursuant to Rule 20, Rules of the Court of Criminal Appeals. Appellant, Andrew Helton, has appealed the Davidson County Criminal Court order dismissing his motion for new trial in which Appellant alleged that: (1) the trial court erred by denying Appellant the right to be present at his trial; (2) the trial court erred by failing to instruct the jury on all lesser included offenses; and (3) the trial court erred by failing to allow the jury to examine evidence during deliberation. Upon a review of the record in this case, we are persuaded that the trial court was correct in dismissing the motion for new trial as duplicitous and that this case meets the criteria for affirmance pursuant to Rule 20, Rules of the Court of Criminal Appeals. Accordingly, the State’s motion is granted, and the judgment of the trial court is affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Seth W. Norman
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/12/12
Fletcher Gordon v. State of Tennessee

M2011-02356-CCA-R3-HC

The Petitioner, Fletcher Gordon, pled guilty to second degree murder. The trial court sentenced him to twenty-three years in the Tennessee Department of Correction, and it awarded him no jail credit. The Petitioner filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus, alleging that the trial court failed to award him pretrial jail credit. He asserted that he was incarcerated pending arraignment and trial from December 20, 2004, to August 24, 2006. The State filed a motion to dismiss the Petitioner’s motion based upon the Petitioner’s failure to provide documentation supporting his claim. The trial court granted the State’s motion to dismiss the Petitioner’s petition for writ of habeas corpus. On appeal, the Petitioner contends that the trial court improperly dismissed his petition. After a thorough review of the record and applicable authorities, we affirm the habeas corpus court’s judgment.

Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Timothy Easter
Hickman County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/12/12
Derwin Thomas v. Bruce Westbrook, Warden

E2011-02586-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner, Derwin Thomas, filed in the Bledsoe County Circuit Court a petition for a writ of habeas corpus, alleging that the indictment charging him with especially aggravated kidnapping, especially aggravated robbery, and first degree murder was defective for failure to allege the theory of criminal responsibility. The habeas corpus court summarily dismissed the petition, finding that the petitioner failed to allege grounds upon which habeas corpus relief could be granted. On appeal, the petitioner challenges the habeas corpus court’s ruling. Upon review, we affirm the judgment of the habeas corpus court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Buddy D. Perry
Bledsoe County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/12/12
State of Tennessee v. Bethany Lorraine Kuykendall

E2011-01350-CCA-R3-CD

The Defendant, Bethany Lorraine Kuykendall, pleaded guilty to theft of property valued at more than $1000 but less than $10,000, for which she was granted judicial diversion with the requirements that she complete two years of probation and pay $150 per month toward restitution. On appeal, she contends that the trial court abused its discretion in setting the restitution amount. Because we lack jurisdiction to consider her appeal, we dismiss it.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge Donald Ray Elledge
Anderson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/12/12
State of Tennessee v. Jay Dee Garrity

M2010-02592-CCA-R3-CD

Jay Garrity ("the Defendant") was convicted of three counts of aggravated sexual battery, a Class B felony. After a hearing, the trial court sentenced the Defendant as a multiple offender to sixteen years on each count and ordered the sentences to be served consecutively for a total effective sentence of forty-eight years. The Defendant now appeals, arguing that the trial court erred "in allowing the State to call a ‘surprise’ witness." He also claims that the evidence is insufficient to support his convictions. Finally, the Defendant challenges the length and consecutive service of his sentences. After a thorough review of the record and the applicable law, we affirm the Defendant’s convictions. We, however, are compelled to vacate the Defendant’s sentence and remand for a new sentencing hearing.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jeffrey S. Bivins
Originating Judge:Judge Monte Watkins
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/11/12
Dan J. Marcum v. Paul F. Caruana, et al.

M2012-01827-COA-10B-CV

The defendant in this action filed a motion for recusal with the trial judge alleging bias against both himself and his counsel. The trial judge denied the motion, and the defendant filed this interlocutory appeal as of right pursuant to Tenn. S. Ct. R. 10B. We affirm the trial court’s denial of the motion for recusal.
 

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Judge Franklin L. Russell
Bedford County Court of Appeals 09/11/12
State of Tennessee v. James L. Dowell, III

M2011-02096-CCA-R3-CD

A Davidson County jury convicted the Defendant, James L. Dowell, III, of first degree felony murder, and the trial court sentenced him to a life sentence in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the Defendant contends that: (1) the trial court erred when it ruled that if the Defendant presented the testimony of his accomplice the State could cross-examine the accomplice about past criminal activities in which both the Defendant and the accomplice willingly participated; and (2) the evidence is insufficient to sustain his conviction. After a thorough review of the record and relevant authorities, we affirm the trial court’s judgment.

Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Cheryl Blackburn
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/11/12
In Re Estate of Nancy L. Josephson

M2011-01792-COA-R3-CV

Husband and Wife executed wills in which each relinquished the right of survivorship in the
marital residence and ordered that the property be sold and that $152,000 of the sale proceeds
be distributed to Wife’s children. Following the death of Wife, her children brought action
to compel Husband to dispose of the property in accordance with Wife’s will. Husband
appeals the holding that the wills he and Wife executed created a valid, enforceable contract
that required him to sell their residence upon her death. We affirm the judgment of the trial
court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Richard H. Dinkins
Originating Judge:Chancellor J. B. Cox
Marshall County Court of Appeals 09/11/12
Tracy L. Cope v. State of Tennessee

E2011-01198-CCA-R3-PC

The Petitioner, Tracy L. Cope, appeals from the Sullivan County Criminal Court’s summary dismissal of his petition for post-conviction relief. The Petitioner contends that the postconviction court erred by concluding that all of his claims were previously determined. Following our review, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Kelly Thomas, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Robert H. Montgomery, Jr.
Sullivan County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/11/12
Misty Phillips, on behalf of her minor son Jacob Gentry v. Robertson County Board of Education

M2012-00401-COA-R3-CV

County appeals the trial court’s decision finding the County liable for injuries sustained by
a student with Asperger’s syndrome in an altercation with another student. Finding that the
evidence does not preponderate against the trial court’s determination, we affirm.

Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Judge Ross H. Hicks
Robertson County Court of Appeals 09/11/12
Cedric Davis v. State of Tennessee

W2011-01864-CCA-MR3-CO

The petitioner, Cedric Davis, appeals the summary denial of his petition for writ of error coram nobis. Following our review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court pursuant to Rule 20, Rules of the Court of Criminal Appeals.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge James C. Beasley Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/11/12
James Michael Pylant et al. v. Bill Haslam, Governor of the State of Tennessee

M2011-02341-COA-R3-CV

Petitioners appeal from the dismissal of their complaint for declaratory relief, injunctive
relief, and damages wherein they challenged the constitutionality of a now superseded
section of the Tennessee Bail Reform Act, Tennessee Code Annotated § 40-11-118(a).
Petitioners contended that the 2011 statute prohibited night court judges or magistrates from
setting bail for persons charged with a second or higher driving under the influence violation,
thus requiring they be confined until a general sessions court judge or criminal court judge
was available. The trial court dismissed the claims for declaratory and injunctive relief on the
grounds of res judicata and collateral estoppel and dismissed the claim for monetary damages
against Governor Bill Haslam upon the ground of sovereign immunity. We find the challenge
to the constitutionality of the 2011 version of subsection (a) moot as the challenged
provisions of subsection (a) have been deleted and superseded. We also affirm the dismissal
of the claims against Governor Haslam for monetary damages as he has sovereign immunity.

Authoring Judge: Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.
Originating Judge:Chancellor Ellen H. Lyle
Davidson County Court of Appeals 09/11/12
Miqwon Dean Leach v. Dwight Barbee, Warden

W2012-00652-CCA-R3-HC

Petitioner, Miqwon Deon Leach, appeals the summary dismissal of his petition for a writ of habeas corpus. He challenges his 2001 conviction for felony murder, for which a jury sentenced him to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. He also challenges his conviction for conspiracy to commit second degree murder that arose from the same case. As grounds for habeas corpus relief, petitioner argues that: (1) conspiracy to commit second degree murder is not a cognizable offense under Tennessee law, rendering his conviction void; and (2) the evidence at trial did not establish his intent to commit felony murder. The habeas corpus court summarily dismissed the petition, and we affirm the judgment of the court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Roger A. Page
Originating Judge:Judge Joe H. Walker III
Lauderdale County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/11/12
Bonnie Faith Rodgers v. Thomas Edward Rodgers

E2011-02190-COA-R3-CV

This appeal arises from a divorce. Bonnie Faith Rodgers (“Wife”) sued her husband, Thomas Edward Rodgers (“Husband”), for divorce in the Circuit Court for Hamilton County (“the Trial Court”), alleging inappropriate marital conduct and irreconcilable differences. Wife and Husband had been married for more than 40 years. Husband answered and counterclaimed for divorce, also alleging inappropriate marital conduct. After a trial, the Trial Court divided the marital estate and awarded Wife periodic alimony. Husband appeals, arguing that the Trial Court erred in a host of ways, including its classification and division of the marital estate and its award of periodic alimony to Wife. Husband also appeals the Trial Court’s extending Wife’s Order of Protection against him for an additional five years. Wife raises her own issue regarding the allocation of certain vehicles. We affirm the judgment of the Trial Court in its entirety.

Authoring Judge: Judge D. Michael Swiney
Originating Judge:Judge L. Marie Williams
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 09/10/12
Stephanie and Eddie Woodard v. Lawrence B. Gross, M.D., Eduardo V. Basco, M.D., and Methodist Healthcare-Memphis Hospitals

W2011-02316-COA-R3-CV

This is a medical malpractice case. The plaintiff patient presented at the hospital emergency room with chest pains; a stent replacement was performed. Three months later, the plaintiff’s treating physician told the plaintiff that she had suffered a heart attack during the stent replacement. The plaintiff obtained all her medical records and filed a lawsuit against the surgeon who performed the stent replacement. This lawsuit was later dismissed without prejudice. After the plaintiff substituted counsel and the plaintiff’s substituted attorney reviewed the medical records, the plaintiff filed a new lawsuit against the emergency room physicians, asserting that they were negligent prior to the stent replacement. The emergency room physicians filed a motion for summary judgment, based in part on the three-year statute of repose. The trial court granted summary judgment in favor of the defendant emergency room physicians, finding that the statute of repose had run on the plaintiff’s claim. The plaintiff patient appeals, arguing that there is an issue of disputed fact as to whether the defendant physicians engaged in fraudulent concealment, so as to toll the time limit under the statute of repose. We affirm.

Authoring Judge: Judge Holly M. Kirby
Originating Judge:Judge Jerry Stokes
Shelby County Court of Appeals 09/10/12
Freddie L. Osborne v. State of Tennessee

M2012-00122-CCA-R3-HC

Petitioner, Freddie L. Osborne, appeals from the trial court’s summary dismissal of the pro se petition for habeas corpus relief filed by Petitioner. After a thorough review of the record and the briefs, we affirm the judgment of the habeas corpus trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Mark J. Fishburn
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 09/10/12
Cynthia Farrar v. State of Tennessee

M2011-02559-COA-R3-CV

This appeal involves the forfeiture of property that had been either used or furnished in
violation of the Drug Control Act. The property at issue was subject to a lien held by
Citizens Bank. Following the forfeiture of the seized property, Citizens Bank notified the
State of its lien and requested the return of the property. The State directed Citizens Bank
to file an appeal with the chancery court. Instead, Citizens Bank sued Claimant for the
balance owed on the property and an order of judgment was entered against Claimant.
Claimant filed suit against the State in the Claims Commission, alleging that the State was
negligent because it failed to notify the proper lienholder of the forfeiture. The State filed
a motion for summary judgment, which was granted by the Claims Commission. Claimant
appeals. We affirm the decision of the Claims Commission.

Authoring Judge: Judge John W. McClarty
Originating Judge:Commissioner Robert Hibbett
Court of Appeals 09/07/12