Recent Tennessee Decisions
The Tennessee Supreme Court and Tennessee Court of Criminal Appeals publish opinions every week that change the day-to-day practice of criminal defense in Middle Tennessee. Some of those decisions widen what’s defensible. Others close doors prosecutors used to keep open.
This page tracks the ones that matter. Each summary is a short, plain-English read written for defendants, families, and the lawyers who refer cases to me. Every post links to the official opinion so you can read the original.
How to read these summaries
Each post follows the same format:
- The Holding — what the court actually decided, in one or two sentences
- Why It Matters — practical impact for someone facing a similar charge in Davidson, Williamson, Rutherford, Sumner, or Wilson County
- Statute / Rule References — the specific Tennessee Code Annotated section or Rule of Evidence the case turns on
- Link to the Opinion — read it for yourself on the Tennessee Courts website
These are summaries, not legal advice. Holdings get refined, distinguished, and sometimes overruled. If you have a pending case that touches one of these issues, don’t rely on a summary — call me.
Why I write these
Most criminal defense websites are static — “we handle DUI, call us.” This page is different. Every appellate decision I summarize here is one I’ve already worked through for my own practice. Putting them in plain English on a public page is a teaching exercise for me and a resource for the people most affected.
If a case I summarize is one I was counsel of record on, I’ll say so directly.
Looking for a specific case or topic?
Browse the post archive below or use the search bar at the top of the page. Posts are tagged by practice area — DUI, drug, violent, sex crimes, property crimes, post-conviction, sentencing — so you can filter to your situation.
- State v. Hollingsworth — Revocation Reversed Because the Underlying Sentence Had ExpiredRevocation affirmed on one count; reversed on a count where sentence had already expired
- State v. Ferguson — Sovereign Immunity Bars Money Sanctions Against the StateTrial court’s monetary discovery sanction against the State vacated
- State v. Walls — New Trial Reversed Because Trial Court Skipped Grounds in the MotionReversed and remanded — trial court must address every ground in the motion for new trial
- State v. Russell — Felon-in-Possession Statute Survives Second Amendment ChallengeFelon-in-possession conviction affirmed; Second Amendment / Bruen challenge rejected
- State v. Angel — Contractor-Fraud Statute Survives Vagueness Challenge at PretrialTrial court’s pretrial dismissal on vagueness grounds reversed in State’s favor
- State v. Graves — Drug “Sale” Counts Reversed on Venue; “Delivery” Counts Stand“Sale” counts reversed on venue; “delivery” counts affirmed
- State v. Garcia Guox — Plea Vacated Because Charging Statute Didn’t Authorize the Felony ClassPlea vacated because the charging statute did not authorize the felony class
- State v. Cooper — Aggravated Stalking Conviction Vacated on Double JeopardyAggravated stalking vacated on Double Jeopardy; harassment affirmed
- State v. Durocher — Felony Reckless Endangerment Reversed for Insufficient EvidenceConviction reversed for insufficient evidence
- Pazouki v. State — Post-Conviction Relief Now Available After Diversion RevocationsCase of first impression — Post-Conviction Procedure Act applies to judicial diversion revocations
- State v. Patton — Confinement Order Reversed Because the Court Didn’t Explain the DispositionRevocation affirmed; confinement order reversed and remanded
- State v. Glover — Diversion Denial Reversed Because the Court Skipped Required FactorsJudicial diversion denial reversed; remanded for new sentencing
- State v. Flood — Probation Revocation Reversed in 8-Year Drug CaseProbation revocation reversed; defendant ordered reinstated to probation
- State v. Hobdy Jr. — Probation Revocation Reversed Because the State Brought No ProofProbation revocation reversed
- State v. Faulkner — Court Refuses Interlocutory Appeal of a Suppression DenialRule 9 interlocutory appeal denied
- State v. Smith — DUI Conviction Reversed Because Traffic Stop Lasted Too LongConviction reversed and dismissed
Charged with a crime in Middle Tennessee?
If reading appellate opinions is bringing you to this page because you have a pending case, call (615) 664-8083 for a free consultation. I review the charging document, walk you through the procedural posture, and tell you what your case actually looks like — not what the State wants you to think it looks like.
N. Cate Law 222 2nd Avenue North, Suite 220 Nashville, TN 37201 [catelaw.com](https://catelaw.com)
Information on this page is general and does not constitute legal advice. Holdings cited may evolve as later cases distinguish or overrule them. Contact N. Cate Law for case-specific guidance.