| State of Tennessee v. Javon Frazier
W2010-01657-CCA-MR3-CD
The defendant, Javon Frazier, appeals the trial court’s termination of his judicial diversion, arguing that he was denied due process at the revocation hearing, and the State concurs. After review, we reverse the judgment of the trial court and remand for a new revocation hearing.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge W. Otis Higgs, Jr. |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 05/04/11 | |
| In Re: Caleb L. C.
E2010-00100-COA-R3-JV
This is a dependency and neglect case. The child’s mother is deceased, and the child’s father has a long history of physically abusing family members. Both the juvenile court and the circuit court, on de novo appeal, found the child to be dependent and neglected and determined that the child’s best interests were served by remaining in the custody of his maternal uncle and aunt. Discerning no error, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge J. Steven Stafford
Originating Judge:Judge R. Jerry Beck |
Sullivan County | Court of Appeals | 05/04/11 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Kevin Millen
W2010-02056-CCA-R3-CD
The pro se defendant, Kevin Millen, appeals the order of the Shelby County Criminal Court affirming the Shelby County General Sessions Court’s finding that he was guilty of contempt. Following our review, we affirm the judgment of the criminal court.
Authoring Judge: Per Curiam
Originating Judge:Judge J. Robert Carter, Jr. |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 05/04/11 | |
| David Macklin v. Dollar General Corporation, d/b/a Dollar General Store #2311
W2010-01507-COA-R3-CV
This is a premises liability case. The plaintiff slipped and fell on a clear liquid at the defendant’s store. The defendant moved for summary judgment arguing it did not have a reasonable opportunity to clean the floor, warn the customer of the clear liquid, or take adequate precautionary measures upon receiving notice of the dangerous condition. The trial court granted the motion and the plaintiff appealed. Having determined the defendant effectively moved for and received only partial summary judgment, we dismiss this appeal for lack of subject matter jurisdiction.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Judge Clayburn Peeples |
Haywood County | Court of Appeals | 05/04/11 | |
| Jonathan K. Price v. State of Tennessee
M2010-00242-CCA-R3-PC
On October 11, 2006, the petitioner, Jonathan K. Price, pleaded guilty to aggravated burglary, solicitation of a minor, and two counts of statutory rape. He received a negotiated sentence of six years on probation. The petitioner filed a petition for post-conviction relief alleging ineffective assistance of counsel, and the post-conviction court denied relief. On appeal, the petitioner argues that trial counsel provided ineffective assistance, and thus, he did not enter his guilty pleas knowingly, intelligently, and voluntarily. Following our review of the record, the parties’ briefs, and applicable law, we affirm the denial of post-conviction relief.
Authoring Judge: Judge J.C. McLin
Originating Judge:Judge David Bragg |
Rutherford County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 05/04/11 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Montrel Gilliam
W2009-01664-CCA-R3-CD
The defendant, Montrel Gilliam, was convicted by a Shelby County jury of first degree premeditated murder and three counts of attempted first degree murder. He was sentenced by the trial court to consecutive terms of life imprisonment for the first degree murder conviction and as a Range I standard offender to twenty-five years, twenty-two years, and twenty years, respectively, for the attempted murder convictions, for an effective term of life plus sixty-seven years in the Department of Correction. On appeal, he challenges the sufficiency of the evidence in support of his convictions and argues that the trial court erred by instructing the jury on his silence as a tacit admission to the crimes. Following our review, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Alan E. Glenn
Originating Judge:Judge Lee V. Coffee |
Shelby County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 05/04/11 | |
| Roger Wilkes, et al. v. Shaw Enterprises, LLC
M2010-00105-COA-R3-CV
This is an appeal of the trial court’s determination on remand that the Appellee did not breach the parties’ contract when it constructed the Appellant’s house without through-wall flashing and weep holes, as required by the applicable building code. The parties’ contract provided that the builder would construct the house in accordance with “good building practices.” The trial court concluded the builder constructed the house in accordance with good building practices even though it was not in strict conformance with the building code. We affirm this holding. The Appellants also appeal the trial court’s failure to award them their attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in their first appeal. We remand this matter to the trial court with directions that it award to Appellants reasonable attorneys’ fees and costs incurred in their first appeal, as determined by the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Judge Robert L. Jones |
Maury County | Court of Appeals | 05/04/11 | |
| Elmer Elliott, Jr. v. Pearl Elliott, et al.
W2010-02085-COA-R3-CV
The trial court granted summary judgment to defendants, finding that plaintiff was ousted from the property at issue, that defendant Pearl Elliott was the presumptive owner of the property due to recordation and payment of property taxes, and that plaintiff’s suit was statutorily barred. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Chancellor George R. Ellis |
Gibson County | Court of Appeals | 05/04/11 | |
| Marilyn Denise Avinger v. State of Tennessee
M2009-02577-CCA-R3-PC
The Petitioner, Marilyn Denise Avinger, appeals the Davidson County Criminal Court’s denial of post-conviction relief from her conviction of attempted second degree murder, for which she received a nine-year sentence, with all but thirty days to be served on probation. On appeal, she contends that trial counsel rendered ineffective assistance. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge Steve R. Dozier |
Davidson County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 05/03/11 | |
| In Re Antonio C. F., Jr.
E2010-01787-COA-R3-PT
The State of Tennessee, Department of Children’s Services (“DCS”) filed a petition seeking to terminate the parental rights of LaCondra DeShay B. (“Mother”) to her minor child Antonio C. F., Jr. (“the Child”) (d.o.b. 7-26-96). Temporary custody of the Child was awarded to DCS on February 21, 2006, and the Child has been in foster care since that date. During this period of time, DCS made reasonable efforts by offering case management services to the paternal grandmother, Carrie F., who was the Child’s custodian at the time of removal, but because she was incapable of managing his behavior, the Child was adjudicated dependent and neglected on April 27, 2006. Following a bench trial on May 21, 2010, the court entered its order finding and holding, inter alia, that clear and convincing evidence existed to support the termination of Mother’s parental rights based upon, (a) willfully failing to visit or making only token visitation with the Child for four months immediately preceding the filing of the petition to terminate; (b) abandonment of the Child by willfully failing to support or to make reasonable payments toward the support of the Child for four consecutive months immediately preceding the filing of the petition; and pursuant to Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-1-113(i) it is in the best interest of the Child that Mother’s parental rights be terminated. Mother appeals, asserting that DCS failed to prove by clear and convincing evidence that termination of her parental rights was in the best interest of the Child. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge John W. McClarty
Originating Judge:Chancellor W. Frank Brown, III |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 05/03/11 | |
| David Ramey v. John Carroll, County Mayor of Perry County, Tennessee
M2010-01072-COA-R3-CV
On remand, the trial court conducted a hearing regarding the reasonableness of attorney fees and awarded $20,000.00 in attorney fees to Appellee. In this appeal, Appellant contends that the trial court erred in awarding the fee because it failed to consider the requisite factors regarding fee reasonableness, it failed to differentiate between time spent on fee-generating versus non-fee-generating duties, and because it failed to comply with the requirements of Tennessee Rule of Civil Procedure 52.01. From our review of the record, we cannot say that the trial court abused its discretion in awarding $20,000.00 in attorney fees. Accordingly, the award is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Alan E. Highers
Originating Judge:Judge Robbie T. Beal |
Perry County | Court of Appeals | 05/03/11 | |
| Paul L. McMillin v. Lincoln Memorial University, et al.
E2010-01190-COA-R3-CV
The plaintiff sued the university and two of its representatives for negligent and fraudulent misrepresentation, negligence, and violation of the Tennessee Consumer Protection Act, alleging that the placement of special credits on his transcript in contradiction to the school’s policies and procedures rendered his transcript without value and, consequently, damaged his future applications for employment or graduate school. The trial court entered summary judgment for the defendants. The plaintiff appealed. We affirm the judgment of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge John W. McClarty
Originating Judge:Judge Dale C. Workman |
Knox County | Court of Appeals | 05/03/11 | |
| Robert S. Wilson v. State of Tennessee
M2010-00764-CCA-R3-PC
Following a jury trial, the Petitioner, Robert S. Wilson, was convicted of attempted aggravated sexual battery and rape of a child. This Court affirmed his convictions on direct appeal. The Petitioner filed a timely petition for post-conviction relief and, after a hearing, the post-conviction court denied relief. In this appeal, the Petitioner claims that he was denied effective assistance of counsel because Trial Counsel: (a) failed to adequately meet with him prior to the trial and investigate his case; (b) failed to adequately cross-examine the victim, the victim’s brother, and the victim’s mother; and (c) failed to adequately convey the State’s plea offer such that the Petitioner could make an informed and knowledgeable decision. Additionally, the Petitioner contends that the cumulative effect of Trial Counsel’s alleged deficiencies amounted to ineffective assistance of counsel. After our review, we affirm the post-conviction court’s denial of relief.
Authoring Judge: Judge David H. Welles
Originating Judge:Judge J. Curtis Smith |
Marion County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 05/03/11 | |
| Samuel Wesley Woods v. Tracy Dean Tidwell
M2009-01972-COA-R3-CV
Mother appeals both the trial court’s refusal to approve an agreed upon parenting arrangement reached between the parents and the trial court’s finding that father should be designated the primary residential parent. Finding the trial court was required to make an independent determination of custody issues and that the court acted within its discretion, we affirm.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:JudgeRobert Lee Holloway, Jr. |
Lawrence County | Court of Appeals | 05/03/11 | |
| Patricia Ann Gho Massey v. Gregory Joel Casals
W2010-00284-COA-R3-JV
Appellant filed a motion to quash garnishment of his individual retirement accounts to satisfy an award of attorney’s fees to Appellee, asserting the accounts were exempt pursuant to Tennessee Code Annotated §§ 26-2-105 and 26-2-111. The trial court denied the motion to quash. We reverse.
Authoring Judge: Judge David R. Farmer
Originating Judge:Special Judge Herbert Lane |
Shelby County | Court of Appeals | 05/03/11 | |
| State of Tennessee ex rel. Jacqueline D. Davis v. James (Jason) McClain
M2011-00834-COA-R3-CV
This is an appeal from an Order Establishing Parentage and Support entered by the Juvenile Court for Maury County on June 1, 2010. Because the appellant did not file his notice of appeal within the time permitted by Tenn. R. App. P. 4, we dismiss the appeal.
Authoring Judge: Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge George L. Lovell |
Maury County | Court of Appeals | 05/03/11 | |
| Louise Y. Ledbetter v. Christopher Douglas Dirr
M2010-00550-COA-R3-CV
In this post-divorce proceeding, Father appeals the trial court’s visitation determination and classification of previously awarded attorney’s fees. We affirm the trial court’s judgment in part, vacate in part, and remand the case for entry of a parenting plan.
Authoring Judge: Judge Richard H. Dinkins
Originating Judge:Chancellor Robert L. Jones |
Maury County | Court of Appeals | 05/03/11 | |
| Elizabeth C. Wright v. Frederico A. Dixon, III.
E2010-01647-COA-R3-CV
In this action to enforce a contract for the sale of real estate against defendant buyer, the Trial Court held that defendant failed to make reasonable efforts to obtain a loan in accordance with the requirement to obtain a mortgage for 100% financing, and awarded damages to plaintiff for breach of the contract since the plaintiff had sold the property before trial. On appeal, we hold that the evidence preponderates against the Trial Judge's finding that the defendant failed to put forth reasonable efforts to obtain a loan which was a condition in the contract for purchase of the property, and remand.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Herschel Pickens Franks
Originating Judge:Chancellor Michel W. Moyers |
Knox County | Court of Appeals | 05/02/11 | |
| Orlando Jones v. State of Tennessee
W2010-01827-CCA-R3-PC
Pursuant to a plea agreement, the Petitioner, Orlando Jones, pled guilty as a Range III offender to aggravated assault and aggravated kidnapping in exchange for an effective sentence of twelve years in the Tennessee Department of Correction. The Petitioner filed a petition for post-conviction relief, claiming that he received the ineffective assistance of counsel and that his guilty pleas were not knowingly and voluntarily entered. The post-conviction court denied relief after a hearing, and the Petitioner now appeals. After a thorough review of the record and applicable law, we affirm the post-conviction court’s judgment.
Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Roy B. Morgan, Jr. |
Madison County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 05/02/11 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Scott Clevenger
E2010-00077-CCA-R3-CD
The Grainger County Grand Jury indicted Appellant, Scott Clevenger, for one count of aggravated sexual battery, one count of rape of a child, and two counts of incest. The trial court sentenced Appellant to an effective sentence of fifty years. On appeal, Appellant argued that he was denied his rights under Miranda v. Arizona, 384 U.S. 436 (1966). State v. Scott G. Clevenger, No. E2007-298-CCA-R3-CD, 2008 WL 588862, at *1 (Tenn. Crim. App., at Knoxville, Mar. 5, 2008). Appellant was unsuccessful on appeal because he had failed to file a motion for new trial and because this Court determined that he was advised of his rights under Miranda and, therefore, a clear and unequivocal rule of law had not been breached in order to allow plain error review. Id. at *4. After being granted a delayed appeal, Appellant once again raises the issue that he was denied his rights under Miranda. However, this issue was previously determined in this Court’s review under the plain error doctrine. Therefore, the law of the case doctrine prevails and we are unable to revisit the issue. For this reason, we affirm the judgments of the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Judge Jerry L. Smith
Originating Judge:Judge O. Duane Slone |
Grainger County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 05/02/11 | |
| Dennis Wade Suttles v. State of Tennessee
E2008-02146-CCA-R3-PD
The Petitioner, Dennis Wade Suttles, appeals from the judgment of the Knox County Criminal Court denying his petition for post-conviction relief. A Knox County Criminal Court jury convicted the Petitioner of premeditated first degree murder and sentenced him to death. The Tennessee Supreme Court affirmed the Petitioner’s conviction and sentence on direct appeal. State v. Suttles, 30 S.W.3d 252 (Tenn.), cert. denied, 531 U.S. 967 (2000). On appeal, the Petitioner challenges the effectiveness of his counsel’s representation before trial, during trial, and on direct appeal. The Petitioner also challenges the constitutionality of the death penalty. This court holds that the trial court did not err in finding that the Petitioner received the effective assistance of counsel at all stages of the case and that the Petitioner’s challenges against the death penalty are without merit. The judgment of the trial court denying post-conviction relief is affirmed.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Joseph M. Tipton
Originating Judge:Judge Mary Beth Leibowitz |
Knox County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/29/11 | |
| Jenna Lauren Heath Milner v. Derrick Brandon Milner
E2010-00802-COA-R3-CV
Jenna Lauren Heath Milner (“Wife”) initiated this action by filing a complaint for divorce against her spouse, Derrick Brandon Milner (“Husband”). The only ground for divorce alleged is “T.C.A. § 36-4-101(5), conviction of a felony.” Husband filed an answer pro se which, in substance, admits that he has been convicted but states that the conviction is “a miscarriage of justice” and that his attorney “botched the trial . . . and botched the direct appeal as badly as the trial.” He alleges that he is continuing to challenge the conviction and “there is a great chance of having the case reversed.” Husband denied that a divorce should be granted and alleged that he still loves Wife and their child. Husband, who was incarcerated, testified at trial by telephone, although there is no transcript or statement of the evidence. The trial court declared the parties “divorced pursuant to T.C.A. § 36-4-101(5).” Husband appeals, arguing, for the first time, that the statute is unconstitutional under the Tennessee Constitution, the United States Constitution, and the Georgia Constitution, the state in which he is incarcerated. The Tennessee Attorney General was served with a copy of Husband’s brief and has appeared in support of the constitutionality of the statute. We hold that any issue as to the constitutionality of Tenn. Code Ann. § 36-4-101(5)(2010) was waived by Husband’s failure to raise the issue in the trial court, and, pursuant to Court of Appeals Rule 10 , we affirm the judgment granting an absolute divorce.
Authoring Judge: Judge Charles D. Susano, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Jacqueline S. Bolton |
Hamilton County | Court of Appeals | 04/29/11 | |
| State of Tennessee v. Christopher Terrell Robinson
M2010-01183-CCA-R3-CD
A Bedford County jury convicted the Defendant, Christopher Terrell Robinson, of violating the Habitual Motor Vehicle Offender (“HMVO”) Act, evading arrest, and violating the light law. Subsequently, the Defendant also pled guilty to felony failure to appear for not appearing at his original court date. For all the Defendant’s convictions, the trial court sentenced him to an effective sentence of twelve years, to be served as a Range II offender at 60%. On appeal, the Defendant contends that: (1) the evidence is insufficient to sustain his conviction for violating the HMVO Act; and (2) his sentence is excessive because the trial court inappropriately ordered his sentences to run consecutively. After a thorough review of the record and applicable authorities, we affirm the trial court’s judgments.
Authoring Judge: Judge Robert W. Wedemeyer
Originating Judge:Judge Lee Russell |
Bedford County | Court of Criminal Appeals | 04/29/11 | |
| Cristina Suzanne Warren v. Timothy Thomas Warren
M2009-02255-COA-R3-CV
Wife filed a complaint seeking a divorce and child support from Husband. Husband filed no answer or counterclaim, but caused to be served upon Wife a summons directing Wife to defend a civil action against her. Husband then filed and served upon Wife a notice of a hearing for default divorce. The trial court entered a Final Decree of Absolute Divorce awarding Husband a divorce based on inappropriate marital conduct and entered Husband’s proposed parenting plan designating Husband as the primary residential parent. Nearly a year later Wife filed a Rule 60.02 motion seeking to have the Final Decree set aside on the grounds of (1) mistake, inadvertence or surprise, (2) fraud, misrepresentation, and misconduct, and (3) the judgment was void. The trial court denied Wife’s Rule 60.02 motion, and Wife appeals. Because the Final Decree of Divorce was not void and because of the circumstances surrounding Wife’s motion, we affirm the trial court.
Authoring Judge: Presiding Judge Patricia J. Cottrell
Originating Judge:Judge Ross H. Hicks |
Montgomery County | Court of Appeals | 04/29/11 | |
| Diandre Goodwin v. Turney Center Disciplinary Board et al.
M2010-02003-COA-R3-CV
An inmate at the Turney Center Industrial Complex filed a petition for writ of certiorari seeking review of the decision of the Turney Center Disciplinary Board convicting him of the disciplinary offense of possession of “security threat group material.” Acting sua sponte, the Hickman County Chancery Court dismissed the petition for failure to exhaust his administrative remedies. We affirm.
Authoring Judge: Judge Frank G. Clement, Jr.
Originating Judge:Judge Jeffrey S. Bivins |
Hickman County | Court of Appeals | 04/29/11 |