APPELLATE COURT OPINIONS

State of Tennessee v. Demeturus Alexander

W2010-02675-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Demeturus Alexander, was convicted of aggravated robbery, a Class B felony, by a Shelby County Criminal Court jury and sentenced to ten years in the Department of Correction. On appeal, he challenges the sufficiency of the convicting evidence. After review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/06/12
Michael V. Morris v. State of Tennessee

M2010-02069-CCA-R3-PC

The petitioner, Michael V. Morris, appeals the Davidson County Criminal Court’s denial of his petition for post-conviction relief from his conviction for aggravated robbery and resulting thirty-year sentence. On appeal, the petitioner contends that he received the ineffective assistance of counsel at trial and on appeal. Specifically, the petitioner contends that trial counsel failed to object to the trial court’s sentencing him in violation of ex post facto protections; that appellate counsel failed to address the lack of a written waiver of ex post facto protections;and that trial counsel failed to review discovery,namely a surveillance video of the robbery, with him. 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 Monte Watkins
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/06/12
State of Tennessee v. Tom Perry Bell

E2010-01504-CCA-R3-CD

A Hamilton County Grand Jury returned an indictment against Defendant, Tom Perry Bell, for burglary, misdemeanor theft, possession of burglary tools, and vandalism valued at more than $10,000. Defendant subsequently pled guilty to burglary, a Class D felony. The trial court sentenced Defendant as a Range II, multiple offender, to eight years in the Department of Correction. On appeal, Defendant argues that his sentence is excessive because the trial court did not properly apply enhancement and mitigating factors. After a thorough review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Don W. Poole
Hamilton County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/06/12
Gary Joseph Latham v. State of Tennessee

E2010-01885-CCA-R3-PC

Petitioner, Gary Joseph Latham, appeals from the post-conviction court’s dismissal of his petition for post-conviction relief following an evidentiary hearing. Petitioner asserts in this Court that he received ineffective assistance of counsel at the trial which resulted in his conviction for aggravated child abuse. He also argues that he is entitled to post-conviction relief because “the introduction of perjured testimony [at trial] invalidate[s] the conviction.” Finding no error, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Thomas T. Woodall
Originating Judge:Judge Leon Burns, Jr.
Cumberland County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/06/12
James Leon Parker v. David R. Sexton, Warden

E2011-01472-CCA-R3-HC

Petitioner, James Leon Parker, appeals the Johnson County Criminal Court’s denial of habeas corpus relief. Because we determine that Petitioner has failed to establish that his judgments were void or his sentences were expired, we affirm the denial of relief.

Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge Robert E. Cupp
Johnson County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/06/12
In Re Estate of Benjamin M. Bates and Estate of Pearl Bates

M2011-01064-COA-R3-CV

This appeal arises from a claim filed against two decedents’ estates to recover the value of improvements made to real estate since 2000. The claimant is one of nine children of the decedents, husband and wife, who died in 1959 and 1962, respectively. The court granted the appellee’s claim for the value of improvements made since 2000 to the decedents’ former home place. Because the decedents died intestate, their real property immediately vested in their heirs in 1962. Therefore, the real estate the claimant improved beginning in 2000 was not owned by either decedent at that time or thereafter; thus, the award of a claim against the estates of these two decedents is a nullity. Accordingly, the judgment is vacated and the case is remanded.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Judge Larry B. Stanley
Warren County Court of Appeals 01/05/12
Kimberly Anne Chavez v. James Albert Chavez, Jr.

M2010-02123-COA-R3-CV

Wife sought a divorce and Husband counterclaimed for a divorce. The trial court granted the divorce to both parties. Wife was designated the primary residential parent and was awarded transitional alimony and alimony in solido. Husband appeals. Finding no abuse of discretion, we affirm.

Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Judge John H. Gasaway, III
Montgomery County Court of Appeals 01/05/12
William N. Nusbaum v. Lucile E. Nusbaum

M2011-00832-COA-R3-CV

In this divorce appeal, wife challenges the distribution of husband’s federal retirement benefits, the award of transitional alimony, and the court’s failure to award her attorneyfees. Because of an error in the percentage of husband’s FERS classified as marital assets, we reverse the trial court’s decision. As to transitional alimony, we affirm the award of $500 per month but extend the award until the time of husband’s retirement. We affirm the trial court’s decision regarding attorney fees.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Judge C. L. Rogers
Sumner County Court of Appeals 01/05/12
2850 Parkway General Partnership v. C. Dan Scott, et al

E2010-02413-COA-R3-CV

Plaintiff brought an action for declaratory judgment, asking the Court to declare that while plaintiff's sublease required it to pay the property taxes, the master lease required the lessor to pay the property taxes, and asked the Court to declare the lessor liable for the property taxes. Following trial, the Trial Court declared that the sublessee was liable for the property taxes, as it agreed to pay under the sublease. On appeal, we affirm the Judgment of the Trial Court on the grounds that under the fact of this case, plaintiff is equitably estopped to avoid paying property taxes, as agreed to in the sublease.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel Pickens Franks
Originating Judge:Chancellor Telford E. Forgety
Sevier County Court of Appeals 01/05/12
Rheaetta F. Wilson, et al. v. Americare Systems, Inc., et al.

M2011-00240-COA-R3-CV

Decedent’s next of kin filed this wrongful death action against an assisted living facility, two nurses, and the facility’s management company for failure to provide proper care and treatment. This appeal concerns only the jury verdict and judgment finding the management company directly liable for failure to provide adequate staff at the assisted living facility. We find no material evidence to support a conclusion that any staffing deficiency proximately caused the decedent’s death. We therefore reverse the judgment finding direct liability on the part of the management company.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Andy D. Bennett
Originating Judge:Judge Franklin L. Russell
Bedford County Court of Appeals 01/05/12
State of Tennessee, ex rel Alexandria Price v. Christopher Childers

E2011-00457-COA-R3-JV

The State brought this action against the defendant to establish paternity and require support for the dependent child. A default judgment was taken against defendant, which determined that he was the father of the child and he was ordered to pay child support, and it was ordered that the child support be withheld from his paycheck. During these proceedings the defendant was a member of the United States military, and he subsequently filed a pro se motion for DNA testing. The DNA test established that he was not the biological father of the child, and the support withheld from his paycheck was ordered reimbursed to defendant. The State appealed, and we hold that the Juvenile Court did not have subject matter jurisdiction to require the State to reimburse defendant for the child support withheld from his paycheck.

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel Pickens Franks
Originating Judge:Judge Suzanne Bailey
Hamilton County Court of Appeals 01/05/12
State of Tennessee v. Sheddrick Harris

W2010-02512-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Sheddrick Harris, appeals his Shelby County Criminal Court jury convictions of first degree felony murder, see T.C.A. § 39-13-202(a)(2) (2006), and especially aggravated robbery, see id. § 39-13-403. At the penalty phase of the trial, the jury found two enhancement factors beyond a reasonable doubt: “[t]he defendant was previously convicted of one (1) or more felonies, other than the present charge, whose statutory elements involve the use of violence to the person,” see id. § 39-13-204(i)(2); and “[t]he murder was knowingly committed, solicited, directed, or aided by the defendant, while the defendant had a substantial role in committing or attempting to commit, any . . . robbery,” see id. § 39-13-204(i)(7), and it unanimously imposed a sentence of life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, see id. § 39-13-204(f)(2). At a separate sentencing hearing concerning the especially aggravated robbery conviction, the trial court sentenced the defendant to 60 years’ incarceration as a career offender to be served consecutively to the life without parole sentence. In addition to challenging the sufficiency of the evidence to support his conviction of first degree felony murder, the defendant contends that the trial court erred by (1) imposing increased security procedures during trial, (2) denying his motion for mistrial, (3) limiting his cross-examination of a witness, and (4) excluding residual doubt evidence from the penalty phase of the trial. Discerning no paucity of evidence and no error, the judgments of the criminal court are affirmed.

Authoring Judge: Judge James Curwood Witt Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Chris Craft
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/05/12
State of Tennessee v. J'Menski Holt

W2010-02186-CCA-R3-CD

A Madison County Circuit Court Jury convicted the appellant, J’Menski C. Holt, of aggravated robbery, and the trial court sentenced him to twelve years in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the appellant contends that the evidence is insufficient to support his conviction and that his sentence is excessive. Upon review, we affirm the
judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Norma McGee Ogle
Originating Judge:Judge Donald H. Allen
Madison County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/04/12
Jacqueline L. Shultz v. Kirby Fuller

E2011-00874-COA-R3-CV

Upon the divorce of the parties, the permanent parenting plan designated the mother as the primary residential parent of the couple’s daughter. Both parties eventually filed petitions to modify the permanent parenting plan. The trial court concluded that there had been a material change of circumstance and that it was in the best interest of the daughter that her parenting be shared equally between the parties. Mother appeals the trial court’s modification decision. We reverse the order of the trial court and remand for further proceedings regarding the best interest of the child.

Authoring Judge: Judge John W. McClarty
Originating Judge:Judge Wheeler A. Rosenbalm
Knox County Court of Appeals 01/04/12
Sheila Marie Lott vs. State of Tennessee

M2010-02637-CCA-R3-PC

Sheila Marie Lott (“the Petitioner”) filed for post-conviction relief alleging (1) that she received ineffective assistance of counsel in conjunction with her open plea and effective sentence of eighteen years and six months to one count of theft over $1000, eight counts of criminal simulation, and one count of fraudulent use of a credit card; and (2) that her plea was not voluntarily made. After an evidentiary hearing, the post-conviction court denied relief, and the Petitioner has appealed. After a thorough review of the record, we affirm the judgment of the post-conviction court.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Jeffrey S. Bivins
Originating Judge:Judge Lee Russell
Bedford County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/04/12
Mark Steven Devore v. Rhonda M. Devore

E2010-02017-COA-R3-CV

This is a post-divorce case in which Mark Steven Devore (“Husband”) petitioned for modification of child support. Rhonda M. Devore (“Wife”) counter-petitioned for contempt. The trial court held that Husband was no longer liable for child support because the children had reached the age of majority but that the amount of overpayment was offset by obligations provided for in the marital dissolution agreement (“MDA”). The court also held that Husband was liable for future college expenses. Following Wife’s motion to reconsider, the court held that Husband owed $11,230.43 for past due college expenses. Husband appeals. We hold that the court erred because it did not use a child support worksheet to calculate the amount of support owed. We vacate and remand for the court to utilize a worksheet.

Authoring Judge: Judge John W. McClarty
Originating Judge:Judge Larry Michael Warner
Cumberland County Court of Appeals 01/04/12
State of Tennessee v. Jereme Dannuel Little

E2009-01796-CCA-R3-CD

A Hamilton County grand jury charged the defendant, Jereme Dannuel Little, in case number 253372, with two counts of aggravated robbery, see T.C.A. § 39-13-402 (2006), and, in case number 253374, with one count of especially aggravated kidnapping, see id. § 39-13-305. At the close of proof at trial, the trial court granted the defendant’s motion for judgments of
acquittal on the two aggravated robbery counts. The jury, however, convicted the defendant of especially aggravated kidnapping, and the trial court imposed a sentence of 18 years’ incarceration in the Tennessee Department of Correction. On appeal, the defendant contends that the trial court erred by (1) failing to inform the jury regarding the judgments of acquittal of the aggravated robberies; (2) failing to instruct the jury regarding corroboration of accomplice testimony; (3) instructing the jury regarding criminal responsibility for the conduct of another; (4) prohibiting counsel from “putting into evidence or mentioning” during closing argument that the defendant had been acquitted of the two counts of aggravated robbery; and (5) allowing the district attorney to argue at closing that the defendant had committed the aggravated robbery offenses, as relevant to motive for the especially aggravated kidnapping charge. Additionally, the defendant contends that the cumulative effect of the trial court’s errors denied him a fair trial. Discerning no reversible error, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge James Curwood Witt, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Rebecca J. Stern
Hamilton County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/03/12
State of Tennessee v. Jereme Dannuel Little -Disenting Opinion

E2009-01796-CCA-R3-CD

Based on the cumulative effect of the errors committed in this case, I would reverse the Defendant-Appellant’s convictions and remand for a new trial. Accordingly, for the reasons outlined below, I respectfully dissent.

Authoring Judge: Judge Camille R. McMullen
Originating Judge:Judge Rebecca J. Stern
Hamilton County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/03/12
Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, et al. v. Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development and Workers' Compensation Division

M2010-02082-COA-R3-CV

This action was filed pursuant to the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, Tennessee Code Annotated § 4-5-322, for contested cases. The petitioner challenges a penalty assessed by the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development, Division of Workers’ Compensation.The stated reason for the penaltywas the failure to file Form C-20,Tennessee Employer’s First Report of Work Injury, regarding eighteen injuries that occurred in January and February 2003 which were medical only injuries, meaning no disability benefits were owing. The trial court affirmed the penalty. We find the petitioner was not afforded proper notice of the Department’s basis for issuing the penalty in violation of the petitioner’s due process rights under the UAPA, Tennessee Code Annotated § 4-5-307. We also find that the Department exceeded its authority by changing its “interpretation” of Tenn. Comp. R. & Regs. 0800-2-1-.06, a rule that was unambiguous and, thus, not subject to interpretation. The trial court’s holding is reversed, and this matter is remanded with instructions to vacate the penalty assessed against the petitioner.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.
Originating Judge:Chancellor Claudia Bonnyman
Davidson County Court of Appeals 01/03/12
State of Tennessee v. Sherri A. Elliott

E2011-00512-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Sherri A. Elliott, appeals the trial court’s revocation of her probation. On appeal, she argues that the trial court abused its discretion in ordering her to serve eight months of split confinement. After review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge David R. Duggan
Blount County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/03/12
Tom Perry Bell v. State of Tennessee

E2011-01408-CCA-R3-PC

The Petitioner, Tom Perry Bell, appeals the Hamilton County Criminal Court’s summary dismissal of his petition for post-conviction relief from his 1979 convictions for two counts of second degree criminal sexual conduct and petition for post-conviction relief from his 1984 conviction for attempt to commit a felony. The trial court summarily dismissed both petitions as untimely. The Petitioner contends that the trial court erred by dismissing his petitions without an evidentiary hearing and the appointment of counsel. The Petitioner also contends that the original trial court erred by failing to advise him of his constitutional right against self-incrimination. We affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge Barry A. Steelman
Hamilton County Court of Criminal Appeals 01/03/12
State of Tennessee v. Albert W. Bentley - Concurring

M2010-01882-CCA-R3-CD

I concur in the results reached in the majority opinion. My concern is with the summary disposition of the Defendant’s due process claim of an impermissibly suggestive photographic lineup. The majority opinion relies on State v. Butler, 795 S.W.2d 680, 686 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1990), to conclude that the analysis provided in Neil v. Biggers, 409 U.S. 188 (1972), need not be used if the identification process was not “unduly suggestive.” “Unduly suggestive” is not a term used in Biggers, which focused on suggestive and unnecessarily suggestive identification procedures. Biggers, 409 U.S. at 198-200.
 

Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge J. Randall Wyatt, Jr.
Davidson County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/29/11
State of Tennessee v. Dontayvis Brown

W2010-02638-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Dontayvis Brown, was convicted by a Shelby County jury of one count of aggravated robbery and two counts of aggravated assault and was sentenced by the trial court to concurrent terms of ten years for each conviction. He raises the following three issues on appeal: (1) whether the evidence was sufficient to sustain his convictions; (2) whether the trial court erred in ruling that the State could impeach his testimony with his prior conviction for facilitation of aggravated robbery; and (3) whether the trial court erred in refusing to charge certain lesser-included offenses. Following our review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge John T. Fowlkes Jr.
Shelby County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/29/11
In Re: Billy D. H.

M2011-00797-COA-R3-PT

Mother’s parental rights to her son were terminated on grounds that she was mentally incompetent to provide for the child and that the conditions which led to the child’s removal from Mother’s custody persisted. She appeals, contending that the grounds are not supported by the evidence and that termination of her rights was not in the best interest of the child. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
 

Authoring Judge: Judge Richard H. Dinkins
Originating Judge:Judge John R. Officer
Fentress County Court of Appeals 12/29/11
State of Tennessee v. Walter Thomas Godsey Jr.

W2011-01027-CCA-R3-CD

The defendant, Walter Thomas Godsey, Jr., was convicted by a Chester County Circuit Court jury of driving on a cancelled, suspended, or revoked license, a Class B misdemeanor, and sentenced to six months in the county jail. On appeal, he challenges the sufficiency of the convicting evidence and the sentence imposed by the trial court. After review, we affirm the judgment of the trial court.

Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Donald H. Allen
Chester County Court of Criminal Appeals 12/29/11