349 results for 'court:"Arkansas Court Of Appeals"'.
J. Klappenbach finds the trial court properly convicted defendant for aggravated robbery and battery. The victim and an associate testified defendant shot the victim in the hand after demanding money when they responded to his Facebook Marketplace ad offering a Corvette for sale. Though a previous victim did not identify defendant, an online account mentioned by him was associated with defendant and was properly admitted as evidence of prior bad acts. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Klappenbach , Filed On: March 6, 2024, Case #: CR-23-402, Categories: Evidence, Robbery, Battery
J. Gladwin finds the county court properly denied the eldercare facility's motion to compel arbitration on an estate's claims the mother sustained injuries, infections and an untimely death. The daughter controlling the mother's financial matter's acceptance of the care is not sufficient to constitute implied ratification considering her sister's improper execution of the agreement under the assumption of authority pursuant to her appointment as an alternate agent for power of attorney. There was no valid arbitration agreement. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Gladwin , Filed On: February 28, 2024, Case #: CV-22-400, Categories: Arbitration, Health Care, Contract
J. Thyer finds the county court properly entered a protection order against the ex-husband. Text messages show he began harassing his ex-wife, saying she was undermining his relationship with their children and that she owed him for certain property. Calls and texts resulted in the ex-wife's asking police to perform a welfare check on the potentially suicidal ex-husband, following which he sent her texts about guns and threatened her. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Thyer , Filed On: February 28, 2024, Case #: CV-23-91, Categories: Evidence, Due Process, Restraining Order
J. Virden finds the county court properly determined the trust acquired a tract of land by adverse possession and acquiescence. The disputed land on the boundary between lots owned by the competing trusts has been maintained and used by the one trust for decades. This maintenance has been variously done be the lessee of a portion of the land as well as by owner family members. Businesses have also paid rent to the trust for billboards erected on the disputed tract. No clear error is found in the court's decision that the trust proved acquisition, and the parties’ conduct demonstrates an implied agreement. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Virden, Filed On: February 28, 2024, Case #: CV-22-532, Categories: Property, Contract
J. Abramson finds the trial court properly convicted defendant for sexual assault and sexual indecency with a child. Defendant was arrested after fleeing officers who were investigating a report of a man sexually propositioning minor females with money. Though defendant says that other victim testimony regarding identical prior sex acts was improperly admitted as prejudicial, the testimony was correctly admitted under the pedophile exception. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Abramson , Filed On: February 28, 2024, Case #: CR-23-483, Categories: Evidence, Sex Offender, Child Victims
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J. Abramson finds the county court properly terminated the mother's parental rights to her child. The department filed a petition for emergency custody after treating physicians reported the mother's explanation for the child's broken femur and skull fracture was not plausible. The department also notes the mother suffers from delayed processing, and the putative father is bipolar and schizophrenic. After removal, the mother did not complete parenting or domestic-violence classes, and a caseworker testified she did not have the capacity to care for the child. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Abramson , Filed On: February 28, 2024, Case #: CV-23-643, Categories: Evidence, Family Law, Guardianship
J. Hixson finds the county court improperly dismissed the homeowner's breach of contract claim. The customer alleges the painting company failed to complete work on her house in a professional and workmanlike manner, though the company denies it contracted to perform any work for her. Even though the company had filed a motion to dismiss prior to the homeowner's request for a dismissal without prejudice, her request for a nonsuit before submission of the case was absolute and should have been granted. Reversed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Hixson , Filed On: February 28, 2024, Case #: CV-23-85, Categories: Due Process, Contract
J. Brown finds the trial court properly ruled in favor of the injured party, offsetting the judgment against costs awarded to the other party. The injured party filed for damages for a wrist injury more than two years after a minor traffic accident. Though he sought more than $300,000 in damages, the jury awarded the injured him $5,000, while awarding the other involved driver more than $11,000 in fees and costs. The court offset the judgment against the costs awarded to the other driver, ordering a judgment against the injured party for $6,000. The court did not act without due consideration in its deemed denial of the injured party's motion to vacate and to alter or amend its order denying his motion to reopen the record. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Brown , Filed On: February 28, 2024, Case #: CV-22-78, Categories: Vehicle, Damages, Attorney Fees
J. Barrett finds the trial court properly convicted defendant for sexual assault. The victim testified to experiencing multiple sexual assaults by defendant, her mother's boyfriend, occurring over a period of years between the ages of 3 and 14. Notably, though she had not seen defendant's penis, she knew what it was when he forced it into her mouth in a dark room. Defendant was apprised of the charges, and the jury was correctly not instructed on limiting certain conduct to rape and other conduct to sexual assault. Witness credibility is an issue for the jury, and the victim's testimony is sufficient. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Barrett , Filed On: February 28, 2024, Case #: CR 23-147, Categories: Sex Offender, Child Victims, Jury Instructions
J. Wood finds the trial court properly convicted defendant for criminal mischief and impairing the operation of a vital public facility after shooting a water tower. Defendant was developed as a suspect from eyewitness accounts and a church surveillance video. Defendant admitted he had been drinking, was playing with his rifle and accidentally shot the tower. Though the ensuing shutdown and repair of the tower did not stop water service to the public, defendant's argument the disruption was not substantial is without merit. Defendant was properly ordered to pay $5000 in restitution. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Wood , Filed On: February 28, 2024, Case #: CR-23-522, Categories: Firearms, Property Crimes, Vandalism
J. Gruber finds the county court properly denied the business owner's motion to enforce an alleged settlement agreement with the bank. The bank filed a complaint against the owner and his now ex-wife alleging two promissory notes, totaling nearly $200,000, executed by them in favor of the bank were in default. Although the owner says a subsequent divorce decree requires his ex-wife to assume responsibility for the notes, email communications show the parties did not have a completed agreement that could be enforced by a court. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Gruber , Filed On: February 28, 2024, Case #: CV-23-115, Categories: Evidence, Banking / Lending, Contract
J. Murphy finds the trial court properly convicted defendant for murder. The victim's stepson testified that defendant had confronted them outside their apartment, firing shots into the air. The stepson left to call 911, hearing more shots as he ran, then returned to find the victim on the ground and defendant gone. Security video showed defendant fleeing in a vehicle associated with him, while other eyewitnesses also identified defendant as the shooter. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Murphy , Filed On: February 28, 2024, Case #: CR-23-322, Categories: Evidence, Firearms, Murder
Per curiam, the court of appeals issues a contempt citation and sanctions against the court reporter. The reporter failed to complete a record on more than one occasion, even after a writ of certiorari had been issued. The special master recognized the reporter had assumed additional duties during the Covid-19 pandemic, that she had been unable to resolve the situation despite her efforts, and that she later resigned from her position. Though the special master did find that some circumstances of her employment were unique, this did not justify her failure to comply.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Per curiam, Filed On: February 21, 2024, Case #: CR-23-191, Categories: Administrative Law, Contempt, Covid-19
J. Harrison finds the county court properly dismissed the OB/Gyn's petition to modify an arbitration award. The doctor was terminated from her employment with the hospital, and the arbitrator awarded her almost $100,000 for 120 days' compensation, less a $25,000, unearned sign-on bonus. The doctor says the award was made under an alternative contract provision not cited in the parties’ statements of claim, and that the arbitrator improperly made the award on an unsubmitted claim. Though the hospital did not prove the doctor’s conduct violated a provision for termination with cause, it had the contractual authority to dismiss her upon payment of the 120 days’ compensation. Nothing in the record indicates the arbitrator exceeded his jurisdiction. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Harrison , Filed On: February 21, 2024, Case #: CV-22-449, Categories: Arbitration, Employment, Health Care
J. Thyer finds the county court properly revoked defendant's suspended imposition of sentence. After defendant's guilty plea conviction for manufacturing meth, he served seven years of a 15-year sentence before being paroled. During his parole term, he was rearrested for possession of multiple types of drugs. The court allowed testimony from the agent who conducted the controlled drug purchase for the limited purpose of establishing the reasoning behind his plan. Because the court expressly determined the testimony was not offered for its truth, its ruling did not offend the confrontation clause. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Thyer , Filed On: February 21, 2024, Case #: CR-23-214, Categories: Drug Offender, Probation, Due Process
J. Thyer finds the county court properly entered a default judgment against the party in possession of the Corvette. The party in possession refused to return the car to the owner and the court ordered its return based on the evidence. The possessor defaulted by filing a late answer, and the owner was also awarded damages for storage fees, rental value and attorney’s fees. The possessor did not defend her late answer, and the evidence supports the damages award and fees. Affirmed in part.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Thyer , Filed On: February 21, 2024, Case #: CV-23-109, Categories: Property, Damages, Due Process
J. Klappenbach finds the trial court properly convicted defendant for battery and endangering the welfare of a minor. Because more than three years had passed between his arrest and his motion to dismiss, this constituted a prima facie violation of defendant's right to a speedy trial. The court correctly set forth its reasoning why certain time periods were excluded for good cause due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Relevant rules of procedure do not require the court to make a determination of good cause for delay until a speedy trial allegation is made, and defendant was provided ample opportunity to object. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Klappenbach , Filed On: February 21, 2024, Case #: CR-22-778, Categories: Battery, Speedy Trial, Child Victims
J. Gladwin finds the county court properly ruled in favor of the particular estate on claims of unjust enrichment and to quiet title regarding a dispute over the ownership of real property. The other estate says an agreement of ownership was reached by the brothers before their deaths. The appeal turns on the date that a deceased and surviving brother's claims accrued, not the deadline triggered by that accrual. Evidence supports the court’s finding the claims accrued when a widow repudiated her deceased husband’s agreement with his brothers. The claims of those brothers' estate would be considered timely under either deadline. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Gladwin , Filed On: February 21, 2024, Case #: CV-22-405, Categories: Property, Wills / Probate, Due Process
J. Abramson finds the county court improperly dismissed the construction company's counterclaim. The capital group brought a breach of contract action after the company allegedly failed to make payments outlined in the contract for future receivables. The construction company argues the contract qualifies as a security, and the county court failed to consider all relevant factors as to whether the contract is subject to the Arkansas Securities Act. Reversed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Abramson , Filed On: February 21, 2024, Case #: CV-22-100, Categories: Construction, Securities, Contract
J. Murphy finds the trial court properly convicted defendant for drug trafficking and firearms charges. Officers conducted a search of defendant's home based upon information from a different investigation for theft, finding a white crystal substance in plain sight. The ensuing warranted search yielded several glass pipes, as well as digital scales and plastic bags containing particles of meth. Over three pounds of meth were also seized, as well as rifles and $16,000 in cash. Evidence concerning an untested substance was relevant and admissible, and not outweighed by any possible prejudice. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: v, Filed On: February 21, 2024, Case #: CR-23-103, Categories: Drug Offender, Evidence, Search
J. Harrison finds the county court improperly refused to enter judgment for the father's arrearage of $15,000 and $18,000 in interest under a registered support order from Alaska. Though the court concluded the arrearage was no longer collectable under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, the record includes undisputed evidence of the father's obligations, demonstrating he was in arrears. Collection procedures are provided by the law of the state where the support order is registered. There are no limitations on the enforcement of child support judgments in Arkansas, and, therefore, the enforcement office's attempt to enforce the arrearage was timely. Reversed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Harrison , Filed On: February 21, 2024, Case #: CV-23-120, Categories: Administrative Law, Debt Collection, Family Law
J. Klappenbach finds the board of review improperly denied the employee's claim for unemployment benefits. The portable building sales rep was put on commission-only pay status while she worked from home during the Covid-19 pandemic. Though the employer says the sales rep abandoned her position, no evidence supports she was directed to return to work on the premises. While evidence suggests the employer was displeased with the rep's results working from home, it did not implement changes. The evidence does not support the finding the employee quit. Reversed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Klappenbach , Filed On: February 14, 2024, Case #: E-22-608, Categories: Employment, Covid-19, Workers' Compensation
J. Gruber finds the trial court properly convicted defendant for possession of a controlled substance, sentencing her as a habitual offender. After defendant was stopped for expired tags, the officer smelled marijuana inside the car. He learned defendant's driver’s license was suspended and there was a search waiver on file. He then found a small bag of meth in the vehicle. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Gruber , Filed On: February 14, 2024, Case #: CR-23-270, Categories: Drug Offender, Search, Vehicle
J. Barrett finds the county court improperly determined the biological father's consent was not required for his children to be adopted by their stepfather. While the biological father did not support his children and did not communicate with them, his contact with the children would have violated a protective order entered in favor of the mother. Also, the court directly affected the outcome by its failure to rule on a previous paternity petition and to set support and visitation. Reversed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Barrett , Filed On: February 14, 2024, Case #: CV-22-426, Categories: Family Law, Due Process, Restraining Order
J. Murphy finds the trial court improperly found the land surveyor breached a contract with the owner. The owner, who uses his land as a hunting club, sought the surveyor's services for a cabin construction project, then brought suit against the surveyor alleging he was inadvertently paid an inflated sum for work that was not performed. A preponderance of the evidence establishes the agreed work was something other than what the owner meant to have done. There is no evidence of a specific promise that was breached. Reversed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Murphy , Filed On: February 14, 2024, Case #: CV-22-554, Categories: Construction, Property, Contract
J. Brown finds the trial court properly convicted defendant for terroristic threatening. Defendant was arrested after the victim confronted him at his home regarding a threatening letter the victim had received that had mentioned defendant. Defendant immediately threatened the victim, then pulled out a machete, swinging it at the victim. Several witnesses testified defendant told the victim he was going to “kill all you motherfuckers and take everything you got.” Substantial evidence supports the conviction, and the letter was properly entered as evidence. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Brown , Filed On: February 14, 2024, Case #: CR-23-190, Categories: Evidence, Threats, Terrorism
J. Brown finds the county court properly terminated the father's parental rights to his three children. The department exercised an emergency hold on the children after an investigation into allegations of the mother's performing sex acts as a prostitute in front of them while living in a motel. The investigation also involved questions of the death of one of the children. The children tested positive for meth and cocaine, and neither parent showed any evidence of stability. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Brown , Filed On: February 14, 2024, Case #: CV-23-584, Categories: Evidence, Family Law, Guardianship
J. Barrett finds the trial court properly convicted defendant for burglary, drug possession and related charges. Police received a report of a home break-in and arrived at the scene to discover a shop, vehicle and home had been broken into and ransacked. A game camera showed defendant and his accomplices committing the break-in, all of whom were later identified when defendant was stopped for driving with a suspended license. A search of the vehicle yielded meth and a pipe. Accomplices testified to defendant's having stolen items from the victim's home. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Barrett , Filed On: February 14, 2024, Case #: CR-23-449, Categories: Burglary, Drug Offender, Evidence
J. Barret finds the trial court properly convicted defendant for murder, battery and firearm possession. The victims went to defendant's house to discuss issues regarding one of their daughters with the mother, who was at that time in a relationship with defendant. An altercation led to defendant shooting the victims, killing one and injuring the other. Though defendant claimed one of the victims had a gun, the mother, his girlfriend, testified she never saw them with a gun. Defendant's justification argument is not preserved for review because he failed to identify any element of justification in his directed-verdict motions that the state failed to disprove. Affirmed.
Court: Arkansas Court Of Appeals, Judge: Barret , Filed On: February 14, 2024, Case #: CR-23-445, Categories: Firearms, Murder, Assault