State v. Parris

IN THE COURT OF CRIMINAL APPEALS OF TENNESSEE
AT NASHVILLE
January 2007 Session

JERRAL D. PARRIS V. STATE OF TENNESSEE

Appeal as of Right from the Circuit Court for Warren County
No. F-9916 Larry B. Stanley, Jr., Judge

No. M2006-00148-CCA-R3-CD - Filed March 15, 2007

The Defendant, Jerral D. Parris, was indicted on two counts of extortion. A Warren County jury
convicted the Defendant of two counts of attempted extortion. On appeal, the Defendant alleges the
following: (1) attempted extortion is not a crime in Tennessee; (2) there was insufficient evidence
to convict the Defendant of attempted extortion; (3) the trial court improperly denied a motion for
a change of venue; (4) the trial court erred in refusing to allow the Defendant to test and inspect
audio tape evidence; (5) the trial court erred in not declaring a mistrial after the Defendant was
compared to a notorious murderer; (6) the trial court erred by failing to instruct the jury as to the
affirmative defense to extortion; and (7) the trial court erred in sentencing the Defendant. After a
thorough review of the record and applicable law, we determine that attempted extortion is a crime
in Tennessee and that there was sufficient evidence to convict the Defendant of this crime. His
conviction, however, must be reversed because the trial court improperly refused to allow a jury
instruction on an applicable affirmative defense. Thus, we reverse the judgment of the trial court
and remand for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.

Tenn. R. App. P. 3 Appeal as of Right; Judgment of the Circuit Court Reversed and
Remanded

ROBERT W. WEDEMEYER , J., delivered the opinion of the court, in which DAVID H. WELLES and
THOMAS T. WOODALL, JJ., joined.

Patrick G. Frogge (on appeal), Nashville, Tennessee, and Charles P. Dupree (at trial), Chattanooga,
Tennessee, for the Appellant, Jerral D. Parris.

Robert E. Cooper, Jr., Attorney General and Reporter; Elizabeth B. Marney, Assistant Attorney
General; Dale Potter, District Attorney General; Thomas J. Miner, Assistant District Attorney
General, for the Appellee, State of Tennessee.

OPINION
I. Facts
 This appeal arises from the Defendant’s conviction by a Warren County jury of two counts
of attempted extortion. The facts relevant to this appeal are as follows:

A. Motions

Prior to trial, the defense made a motion to change venue due to one of the victim’s position
in the community as the sitting General Sessions Judge in Warren County, where this case was tried.
The Defendant alleged that general members of the community would be frequently in front of Judge
Ross, and it would be difficult to voir dire concerning that issue without putting ideas into the
potential jurors’ heads. The motion was overruled.

Additionally, prior to trial, while the Defendant was proceeding pro se, the Defendant made
a motion to obtain a copy of the audio tape recordings that were to be used in the trial. That motion
was not ruled upon, but the Defendant did obtain copies of the tapes from the State. Following trial,
the Defendant moved to examine the original audio tapes stating that he suspected tampering. That
motion was denied by the trial court, who stated the motion should have been made before trial.

B. Guilt Phase

Of the Defendant’s two counts of extortion, one concerned his actions towards Tami P. Ross,
and the other concerned his actions towards Judge Larry G. Ross, Tami Ross’s husband.

The State’s first witness, Leeann Redmon, testified that she was Tami Ross’s legal assistant.
Her responsibilities included answering the phone, making appointments, and speaking with clients.
She became familiar with the Defendant through her job, and, on March 2, 2004, he brought a
package to Tami Ross’s office. The package contained papers, which Redmon examined. Upon
reading the papers, Redmon became concerned and called Tami Ross. Redmon left the documents
for her boss, who presumably picked up the documents when she came back into the office after
Redmon had gone home for the day. The next morning, Redmon returned to work and, throughout
the day, received three phone calls from the Defendant wishing to speak with Tami Ross. At some
point, Tami Ross returned the Defendant’s phone call, and the Defendant later visited that office.
At the office, the Defendant met with Tami and Judge Ross, and upon the conclusion of the meeting
the Defendant was arrested.

On cross-examination, Redmon stated that the Defendant was pushy in his phone calls the
day of his arrest. Additionally, Redmon described the layout of the office and admitted someone
could hear her telephone conversation if they were sitting on the sofa in the reception area.

Tami Ross testified she is an attorney, and she primarily works in the area of family law, and
her husband is the General Sessions Judge in the county. Irina Parris (“Parris”) came to Tami Ross
in order to file a complaint of divorce against the Defendant. Tami Ross aided her in so doing and
represented her in the divorce proceedings. The Defendant was initially represented by an attorney,
but that attorney was fired after the Defendant lost the initial “battle” for temporary custody. The

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Defendant proceeded pro se and apparently had a reasonable working knowledge of the general
course of proceedings because he filed motions, subpoenaed witnesses, and conducted discovery.
During these proceedings, Tami Ross learned that the Defendant was worth over one million dollars.
The divorce was finalized on February 6, 2004, and on February 17 the Defendant filed a motion to
alter or amend the judgment. Tami Ross discussed the motion with Parris, who stated she did not
want to change anything in the final property disposition. Tami Ross then advised the Defendant
that his only option was to appeal the ruling.

Tami Ross further testified that on March 1, 2004, she was in court. She received a call from
her secretary, Redmon, who told her that the Defendant had delivered a package. Tami Ross
instructed Redmon to leave the package on her desk so she could examine it when she returned.
Tami Ross recognized the Defendant’s signature and reviewed the documents. The letter made
settlement demands including property, reduction in child support, attorney’s fees, and other fees.
The second page of this letter began with the sentence, “I follow this request with incentives for its
early acceptance.”

After the letter, two photographs were included that were of a marquee. One side stated,
“Judge Jeff Stewart ignored suffering child - Whitney Duran says ‘Lesson Number 1.’” The other
side stated, “Lawsuit filed against Ross - ‘trauma upon children’ - time for change.” Following the
pictures was a map with cities circled. Those were the cities where the Grundy County judge would
run for election. Following the pictures and map were two complaints, one against Parris and one
against Tami Ross. Tami Ross discussed the situation with her husband, Judge Ross, because she
felt it threatened her livelihood. The next day, the Rosses determined they should contact law
enforcement, but they could not get in contact with the district attorney. The Defendant repeatedly
called and demanded that Tami Ross return his call. Because they could not get in touch with the
District Attorney, Tami Ross and her husband went to Radio Shack and bought a listening devise
to record the next phone conversation.

Tami Ross called the Defendant, and they discussed the documents that had been delivered
to Tami Ross.1 During the conversation, the Defendant repeated his requests and stated that he
would campaign against Judge Ross and file the two lawsuits if those requests were not fulfilled.
The Defendant also stated that he had the witnesses and documentation to backup his promises of
lawsuits and campaigning. After the conclusion of the phone conversation, Tami Ross stated she
felt as if the Defendant wanted her to sell out her client. The Rosses were then able to contact the
authorities, and members of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (“TBI”), the District Attorney’s
Office, and the Warren County Sheriff’s Office all came to Tami Ross’s law office. Subsequently,
another phone call was made, and the Defendant came to the office. The Defendant met with Judge
Ross, and when they walked outside the office the Defendant was arrested.

On cross-examination, Tami Ross testified that the Defendant had filed many motions at the
divorce trial, and he and his wife could not agree on many things. Tami Ross and the Defendant had

1
A tape of the conversation was entered into evidence and played for the jury.

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negotiated both the property division and the parenting plan. After the property division and the
parenting plan had been ruled on by the judge, the Defendant contacted Tami Ross in a persistent
attempt to adjust the settlements more to his liking.

Addressing the specific requests, Tami Ross admitted that she did not know that the piece
of land the Defendant demanded was landlocked, and Parris would be required to traverse his land
to get to it. Additionally, the fee that was owed to the Department of Labor was applied via lien to
a piece of property that the Defendant and Parris had split. The Defendant requested that Parris pay
her half of the fee if she was to get half of the land. In addressing the complaint addressed to her,
Tami Ross stated that the general complaint was that she somehow prevented the Defendant from
adequate visitation with his children, and, although she thought the complaint was frivolous, she did
not want to hire an attorney to defend her. However, her main concern was that the Defendant was
attempting to get her to persuade her client to do something she did not want to do. Tami Ross
admitted that filing the lawsuits against both her and her client were within the rights of the
Defendant. Tami Ross did not feel as though this was a pre-appeal negotiation; rather, she thought
it was extortion.

On re-direct examination, Tami Ross testified that a lawsuit filed against her could go on for
a year or more, and the marquee could stay up indefinitely. On re-cross examination, Tami Ross
admitted that everything the Defendant threatened to do was legal.

Judge Larry Ross testified he was aware of, but not involved in, the Parris’ divorce. The
package delivered to Tami Ross was actually addressed to him. He reviewed the contents and called
the Administrative Office of the Courts, who directed him to local police. Judge Ross attempted to
contact the District Attorney’s Office and the TBI, but to no avail. Feeling pressure from the
Defendant’s persistent calls, Judge Ross and his wife got a recorder from Radio Shack and recorded
the next phone conversation. A second phone call was made to the Defendant, which was also
taped.2 Judge Ross and the Defendant discussed where the two should meet, and the following
exchange took place:

Defendant: I don’t want to do anything illegal on or off the phone. I’m not a
criminal.

Judge Ross: Well I understand.

Defendant: I’ve never been. I never will be.

Judge Ross: What you’re asking me to do could make me lose my license and get
me disbarred.

Defendant: Don’t do anything.

2
A tape recording of this phone conversation was played to the jury.

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 Judge Ross: Okay. So you don’t want me to - -

Defendant: I want you to talk with me. I want Tami to respond to my letter.

Judge Ross: Uh huh.

Defendant: I’m not asking anybody to do anything illegal.

Judge Ross: Well, as a public official and as a lawyer, if I get involved in
something I don’t have any business in, it could be for me.

Defendant: Don’t do it. Don’t do it.

The Defendant and Judge Ross then met together at Tami Ross’s law office.3 At that
meeting, Judge Ross and the Defendant came to an agreement that if Judge Ross would attempt to
persuade his wife to settle the case favorably the Defendant would not campaign against Judge Ross
and would not file any lawsuits against Tami Ross or Parris.

On cross-examination, Judge Ross testified that he viewed the situation as a threat that if he
did not pressure his wife to settle the Defendant’s case favorably then the Defendant would ruin his
political career. Judge Ross also stated that he was in fear of physical harm because the Defendant
once pointed his finger at Tami Ross and told her, “you are at risk.” However, Judge Ross admitted
the Defendant never stated exactly for what she was at risk. Judge Ross said he felt entitled to
believe that the Defendant was physically threatening his wife because:

[I]t’s based on prior cases I’ve worked. I worked a murder of an attorney right over
here across the street in a similar situation with a man very similar to this guy who
had a problem over a deed who walked in and shot him five times in his office one
morning. Very similar situation, very similar man. In fact, we talked about it and all
the officers agreed, this man is just like J.B. McCord.4 That’s what I was concerned
about. (footnote inserted)

After this statement, defense counsel moved for a mistrial due to Judge Ross comparing the
Defendant to J.B. McCord. The trial court declined to declare a mistrial, and instead it gave a
clarifying instruction.

3
Judge Ross was wired for sound recording, and a tape of the meeting was played for the jury.

4
J.B. McCord is an apparently infamous murderer in the McMinnville area. For general information concerning J.B.
McCord, see State v. J.B. McCord, No.03C01-9403-CR-00110, 1997 W L 732513 (Tenn. Crim. App., at Knoxville, Nov.
26, 1997), Tenn. R. App. P. 11 application denied (Tenn. Oct. 12, 1998).

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 Judge Ross admitted that, at times, cases do settle prior to an appeal. Additionally, there is
nothing that Judge Ross could have personally done in this situation except pressure his wife; there
was nothing he could do legally in his position as a judge. However, Judge Ross drew an analogy,
describing the situation as if “someone call[ed] someone who is going to serve on the jury and sa[id]
I want a particular plea [in] that case and unless you do it I’m going to make your husband lose his
job[,] or I’m going to call and put your husband’s name in the paper.”

The Defendant testified he was generally in the construction business. Although he began
his divorce proceedings with an attorney, he represented himself the majority of the time. The
Defendant described his interaction with the judge on his case, Judge Stewart, saying, “I don’t think
I was his favorite person.” Additionally, the Defendant repeatedly asked Judge Stewart to prevent
Parris and Tami Ross from discussing the divorce in front of his children. Judge Stewart never acted
on those requests. Once the court ruled on the Defendant’s case, the Defendant prepared an appeal,
but, due to the cost of prosecuting an appeal, he contacted Tami Ross in an attempt to mediate and
settle the case. Tami Ross told him to come to her office, which the Defendant did. While there,
the situation apparently became heated, and the Defendant, from about five feet away, told Tami
Ross she was “putting herself at risk” for, in his mind, a lawsuit. She stated she would call the
police, and the Defendant responded she could call the National Guard if she wanted to, and he left
his card for her. At this point, the Defendant testified, he felt he had no other choice but to exercise
his First Amendment rights to publicize his discontent with the judicial system via the marquee.
Overall, the Defendant simply wanted to sit down and work out a reasonable compromise.

On cross-examination, the Defendant testified he had obtained approximately fifteen to
twenty federal government contracts for construction work. The Defendant stated he was essentially
broke due to his mortgage and child support. However, the Defendant had trouble explaining exactly
what he was worth. The Defendant admitted he wished to settle the case prior to filing an appeal.

After the completion of proof, the judge instructed the jury on extortion and attempted
extortion. In addressing the defense request that the jury be instructed on the affirmative defense of
restitution, the trial court stated, “I don’t think the evidence in this case preponderates in favor of
finding that they met either one of those burdens of why he was claiming restitution or whatever it
was on a legitimate basis.” The jury returned with verdicts and found the Defendant not guilty of
the two counts of extortion but guilty of the two lesser-included counts of attempted extortion.

B. Sentencing Phase

At the sentencing hearing, Tami Ross testified that she disputed the Defendant’s assertion
that he was a non-violent man and no violence was involved in this case. The Defendant once came
to her office and told her she was at risk. She called the police because she felt threatened.
Additionally, the Defendant was argumentative when he would call on the telephone. At that point,
Tami Ross sent the Defendant a certified letter telling him not to call or come by her office, and any
correspondence should be mailed or faxed. Tami Ross also felt threatened because she knew that
Parris, the Defendant’s ex-wife, had a restraining order placed on him.

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 Additionally, the Defendant alleged he did not have a questionable business reputation, and
Tami Ross disputed this stating she knew of a fine against the Defendant by the Department of Labor
for employing minors at inappropriate hours. Additionally, it appeared that the Defendant had been
investigated by the Department of Labor three times from 1980 to 1987 for failure to pay back
wages. The Defendant further published articles in his newspaper, The Front Page, which referenced
Tami Ross and Judge Stewart’s actions in relation to the divorce.

On cross-examination, Tami Ross also admitted she never complained to the judge in the
divorce case about the Defendant’s actions at her office. Tami Ross also conceded she had no
firsthand knowledge of the Defendant’s business reputation in Grundy County. On re-direct
examination, Tami Ross testified that the Defendant’s business reputation in Grundy County was
not good. On re-cross examination, Tami Ross admitted that, in the divorce proceedings, she
believed that the Defendant was successful and would continue to be successful.

Donna Dunlap testified that she prepared the pre-sentence report for this case. She had some
trouble getting in touch with the Defendant, frequently calling his office and only reaching his
secretary. While she normally met with individuals face to face, she merely spoke with the
Defendant over the phone in this case. Dunlap noted that the Defendant did have a misdemeanor
assault conviction in 1981.

On argument, the defense requested judicial diversion so the Defendant’s business,
construction through government contracts, would not be hampered. The State argued this was a
crime against the entire judicial system. After hearing arguments, the Court found the enhancing
factors set forth by the State were minor and sentenced the Defendant to one year on each count, to
run concurrently. In determining whether to grant probation or judicial diversion, the trial court
considered the fact that the Defendant threatened the victims physical harm when he said, “You are
at risk.” Additionally, attempting to get a lawyer to sell out a client by offering money or a job was
“abhorrent.” It found confinement was needed to provide a suitable deterrent to others. Judicial
diversion, as a result, would not be appropriate. The Defendant was sentenced to serve 210 days in
jail with the remainder of his sentence to be served on probation.

II. Analysis

The Defendant has alleged the following errors: (1) attempted extortion is not a crime in
Tennessee; (2) there was insufficient evidence to convict the Defendant of attempted extortion; (3)
the trial court improperly denied a motion for a change of venue; (4) the trial court erred in refusing
to allow the Defendant to test and inspect audio tape evidence; (5) the trial court erred in not
declaring a mistrial after the Defendant was compared to a notorious murderer; (6) the trial court
erred in not allowing a “just compensation” jury instruction to be given; and (7) the trial court erred
in sentencing the Defendant.

A. Attempted Extortion

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 In the Defendant’s first assignment of error, he alleges he cannot be convicted of attempted
extortion due to the fact that attempted extortion is not a crime in Tennessee. This question appears
to be an issue of first impression in Tennessee. Because this is purely a question of law, our review
is de novo. Whaley v. Perkins, 197 S.W.3d 665, 670 (Tenn. 2006). Extortion in Tennessee is
statutorily defined as follows: “A person commits extortion who uses coercion upon another person
with the intent to: (1) obtain property, services, any advantage or immunity; or (2) restrict unlawfully
another’s freedom of action.” T.C.A. § 39-14-112 (2006). The Sentencing Commission Comments
provide the following additional guidance: “Because the harm is the use of coercion for the above
purposes, the offense is committed even though the offender’s efforts are unsuccessful and, for
example, do not result in obtaining any property.” Id. at Sentencing Comm’n Cmts. We observe
that “coercion” is defined in the Code as:

[A] threat, however communicated, to:
(A) Commit any offense;
(B) Wrongfully accuse any person of an offense;
(C) Expose any person to hatred, contempt or ridicule;
(D) Harm the credit or business repute of any person; or
(E) Take or withhold action as a public servant or cause a public servant to
take or withhold action

T.C.A. § 39-11-106(3) (2006). Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-12-101(a) (2006) further
states:

A person commits criminal attempt who, acting with the kind of culpability
otherwise required for the offense:

(1) Intentionally engages in action or causes a result that would
constitute an offense if the circumstances surrounding the conduct
were as the person believes them to be;
(2) Acts with intent to cause a result that is an element of the offense,
and believes the conduct will cause the result without further conduct
on the person’s part; or
(3) Acts with intent to complete a course of action or cause a result
that would constitute the offense, under the circumstances
surrounding the conduct as the person believes them to be, and the
conduct constitutes a substantial step towards the commission of the
offense.5

The Defendant alleges that the statute and sentencing commission comments preclude any
crime of attempted extortion because, even if the extorter is unsuccessful in obtaining the goal of his

5
See State v. Elder, 982 S.W .2d 871, 875 n.2 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1998) (outlining examples of each criminal attempt
subsection).

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scheme, he is still guilty of extortion. The Defendant has presented two examples of extortion
statutes from other states, and he notes that Florida, with a statute similar to our own, has determined
there is no attempted extortion. See Fla. Stat. § 836.05 (1977); Achin v. State, 436 So.2d 30, 30-31
(Fla. 1982). California, on the other hand, requires actual obtainment of property for there to be a
completed extortion. See Cal. Pen. Code § 518 (2004); People v. Sales, 10 Cal. Rptr. 3d 527, 532
(Cal. Ct. App. 2004). California has determined that, if eventual possession of the property is
required to complete the extortion, then one could attempt to extort by making an ineffectual attempt
to possess the property with the specific intent to commit extortion. Sales, 116 Cal. App. 4th at 749.

The Defendant likens attempted extortion to attempted resisting arrest. One is guilty of
resisting arrest if he merely attempts to resist, as the actual completion of the resister’s goal, to free
himself from the officer, is irrelevant. Thus, one cannot attempt to attempt to resist arrest. See State
v. William Harlon Adams, No.M2003-02952-CCA-R3-CD, 2005 WL 1353301, at *9-10 (Tenn.
Crim. App., at Nashville, June 8, 2005), perm. app. denied (Tenn. Dec. 5, 2005). In our view, the
analogy is not completely congruous. In determining whether attempted extortion is or is not a
crime, it is useful to consider whether there is a hypothetical factual scenario wherein one could
commit attempted extortion.

In examining the definition of extortion, we see that first and foremost one must “use
coercion.” Coercion, being defined as “a threat, however communicated . . . ,” provides us with a
situation where one could attempt extortion if he makes a threat, but the threat is not communicated
to the extortee. For example, an extorter writes a letter to the extortee and leaves the letter on the
extortee’s desk one afternoon. That night, the building burns to the ground, and the threat, although
the extorter attempted to communicate it, goes uncommunicated. Alternatively, an extorter leaves
a threat on the extortee’s voice-mail. Before the extortee can check his messages and receive the
threat, he dies. The uncommunicated threat constitutes an attempt to extort. Once the threat is
actually communicated, the crime becomes extortion, irrespective of whether or not the extorter
accomplishes his goal. See § 39-14-112, Sentencing Comm’n Cmts. Thus, we conclude that the
crime of attempted extortion exists in Tennessee because the crime of extortion does not include
every attempt to complete the crime. Having so concluded, we turn to decide whether the evidence
in this case was sufficient to support the Defendant’s convictions.

B. Sufficiency of the Evidence

When an accused challenges the sufficiency of the evidence, this Court’s standard of review
is whether, after considering the evidence in the light most favorable to the State, “any rational trier
of fact could have found the essential elements of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt.” Jackson
v. Virginia, 443 U.S. 307, 319 (1979); see Tenn. R. App. P. 13(e); State v. Goodwin, 143 S.W.3d
771, 775 (Tenn. 2004) (citing State v. Reid, 91 S.W.3d 247, 276 (Tenn. 2002)). This rule applies
to findings of guilt based upon direct evidence, circumstantial evidence, or a combination of both
direct and circumstantial evidence. State v. Pendergrass,13 S.W.3d 389, 392-93 (Tenn. Crim. App.
1999).

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 In determining the sufficiency of the evidence, this Court should not re-weigh or re-evaluate
the evidence. State v. Matthews, 805 S.W.2d 776, 779 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1990). Nor may this
Court substitute its inferences for those drawn by the trier of fact from the evidence. State v. Buggs,
995 S.W.2d 102, 105 (Tenn. 1999); Liakas v. State, 286 S.W.2d 856, 859 (Tenn. 1956). “Questions
concerning the credibility of the witnesses, the weight and value of the evidence, as well as all
factual issues raised by the evidence are resolved by the trier of fact.” State v. Bland, 958 S.W.2d
651, 659 (Tenn. 1997); Liakas, 286 S.W.2d at 859. “A guilty verdict by the jury, approved by the
trial judge, accredits the testimony of the witnesses for the State and resolves all conflicts in favor
of the theory of the State.” State v. Cabbage, 571 S.W.2d 832, 835 (Tenn. 1978); State v. Grace, 493
S.W.2d 474, 476 (Tenn. 1973). The Tennessee Supreme Court stated the rationale for this rule:

This well-settled rule rests on a sound foundation. The trial judge and the jury see
the witnesses face to face, hear their testimony and observe their demeanor on the
stand. Thus the trial judge and jury are the primary instrumentality of justice to
determine the weight and credibility to be given to the testimony of witnesses. In the
trial forum alone is there human atmosphere and the totality of the evidence cannot
be reproduced with a written record in this Court.

Bolin v. State, 405 S.W.2d 768, 771 (Tenn. 1966) (citing Carroll v. State, 370 S.W.2d 523 (Tenn.
1963)). This Court must afford the State of Tennessee the strongest legitimate view of the evidence
contained in the record, as well as all reasonable inferences which may be drawn from the evidence.
Goodwin, 143 S.W.3d at 775 (citing State v. Smith, 24 S.W.3d 274, 279 (Tenn. 2000)). Because
a verdict of guilt against a defendant removes the presumption of innocence and raises a presumption
of guilt, the convicted criminal defendant bears the burden of showing that the evidence was legally
insufficient to sustain a guilty verdict. State v. Carruthers, 35 S.W.3d 516, 557-58 (Tenn. 2000).

As noted above, the Defendant could be found guilty of attempted extortion under the
criminal attempt statute if he, with the requisite culpability, acted with the intent to cause a result that
was an element of the crime extortion. See § 39-12-101(a)(2). More specifically, if the jury
concluded that the Defendant acted in a coercive manner to Tami Ross and Judge Ross, he could be
found guilty of attempted extortion if he also had the intent to “obtain property, services, any
advantage or immunity.”6 T.C.A. § 39-14-112 (2006). While it is clear that the evidence satisfies
the intent portion of the statute — the Defendant readily admitted he was attemping to obtain a more
satisfactory divorce settlement — whether he acted coercively towards Tami Ross and Judge Ross
is less clear. Again, “coercion” is defined as:

[A] threat, however communicated to:
(A) Commit any offense;
(B) Wrongfully accuse any person of an offense;

6
W e also note that section (c) states, “It is no defense to prosecution for criminal attempt that the offense attempted was
actually committed.” § 39-12-101(c). Thus, it would be no defense to attempted extortion for the Defendant to claim
the crime of extortion was actually committed.

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 (C) Expose any person to hatred, contempt or ridicule;
(D) Harm the credit or business repute of any person; or
(E) Take or withhold action as a public servant or cause a public servant to
take or withhold action

T.C.A. § 39-11-106(3).

As to Tami Ross, the evidence at trial viewed in the light most favorable to the state showed
that the Defendant sent a package to Tami Ross. The letter, actually addressed to Judge Ross, began
with, “I am addressing this correspondence to you because I feel you should have some input into
decisions that affect your and your wife’s future professional and economic well being.” A list of
demands connected to a divorce which Tami Ross was handling for the Defendant’s ex-wife
followed, and the letter concluded with, “I follow this request with incentives for its early
acceptance.” Those incentives included a draft of a complaint against Tami Ross, a draft of a
complaint against the Defendant’s ex-wife, and a photo of a marquee purporting to be used in a
campaign against Judge Stewart, the judge who handled the Defendant’s divorce, and Judge Ross.

The complaint against Tami Ross charged intentional infliction of emotional distress due to
her failing to advise the Defendant of critical visitation times and dates. As a result of these failures,
the Defendant’s children “waited and waited, with straining eyes, for your [Defendant] to appear,
but he was not allowed to appear because of the above alleged failure of [Tami Ross] to inform him
of the scheduled time and place.” As a result, the Defendant’s children were “led to believe that the
word of their Father would not be kept, that their Father did not care for or love them, and that they
should not trust their Father.” As a result of the emotional distress which ensued, the Defendant
prayed for $500,000 in relief.

We conclude a jury could have determined that this complaint exposed Tami Ross to “hatred,
contempt, or ridicule” by alleging she improperly prevented a father from seeing his children.
Additionally, a jury could have rationally determined it was calculated to harm the business repute
of Tami Ross by potentially discouraging persons from hiring her as their lawyer. Thus, there is
sufficient evidence for a jury to determine that the Defendant acted by delivering the package, which
was intended to coerce Tami Ross to the advantage of the Defendant.

As to Judge Ross, the jury heard evidence that the Defendant stated he would campaign
against Judge Ross in the upcoming election if the divorce was not settled to his satisfaction. The
purported marquee advertising against Judge Ross is less than conclusive as it merely states,
“Lawsuit filed against [Tami] Ross - ‘Trauma Upon Children’ - Time For Change.”7 However, the
letter sent by the Defendant to Judge Ross, listed in its “incentives” an enclosed advertising format

7
The picture of the marquee that was delivered to Tami Ross was entered into evidence. The picture appears to be a
photograph of a marquee with the noted phrasing on it. However, what appears to this Court to be “Tami” is in very
small lettering compared to the rest of the statement. There was a dispute at trial at to what exactly the marquee said,
but we observe four distinct letters, which clearly precludes either “Larry” or “Judge.” Further, “Tami” is the logical
Ross here due to the previously mentioned lawsuit, and the wording of this particular marquee.

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for “Judge Ross.” While campaigning against Judge Ross would not be considered a threat to
commit an offense, or wrongfully accuse Judge Ross of an offense, the jury could have concluded
that it may bring “hatred, contempt, or ridicule” upon Judge Ross, harm his business repute, or cause
Judge Ross, a public servant, to take action in persuading his wife to do something. While we do
not know the specifics of the contents of the campaign against Judge Ross, the jury could have
reasonably concluded that it would be similar to that which alleged Judge Stewart ignored a suffering
child. That would suffice to potentially bring “hatred, contempt, or ridicule” on Judge Ross. Thus,
there was sufficient evidence to convict the Defendant of attempted extortion as to Judge Ross.

The Defendant encourages us to adopt a reading of the “coercion” definition to only include
unlawful or wrongful acts. We decline this invitation. While campaigning and filing a lawsuit in
and of themselves are not illegal or wrongful, they may still be the basis for a charge of extortion.
This Court has stated with regards to another generally legal act, picketing, “when the objectives of
the picketing changes from legitimate labor ends to personal payoffs, then the actions become
extortionate.” Moore v. State, 519 S.W.2d 604, 608 (Tenn. Crim. App. 1974) (quoting United States
v. Emmons, 410 U.S.396, 406 n.16 (1972)). The Defendant argues that, if his limiting definition
were not adopted, one could be convicted of extortion for merely threatening to expose a crooked
merchant if that person’s money were not refunded. We feel this type of situation is adequately
covered by the affirmative defense to extortion: a reasonable claim for “(1) Appropriate restitution
or appropriate indemnification for harm done; or (2) Appropriate compensation for property or
lawful services.” T.C.A. § 39-14-112(b) (2006). The Defendant is not entitled to relief on this issue.

C. Change of Venue

The Defendant’s next allegation of error is that the trial court erred when it declined to
change trial venue. The Defendant admits the change of venue request was not due to pre-trial
publicity but merely the profession of one of the victims. The Defendant alleges that Judge Ross’s
position as a sitting Warren County General Sessions Judge, with the potential power to sit in
judgment over jurors in the future, precluded the Defendant from getting a fair trial. See Tenn. R.
Crim. P. 21. A trial court’s decision to deny a motion to change venue can only be reversed by this
court upon a clear showing of abuse of discretion. State v. Davidson, 121 S.W.3d 600, 611-12
(Tenn. 2003); State v. Dellinger, 79 S.W.3d 458, 481 (Tenn. 2002). When determining whether a
motion to change venue should be granted, a trial court should look to a number of factors, some
being concerned with pre-trial publicity. See State v. Hoover, 594 S.W.2d 743, 746 (Tenn. Crim.
App. 1979) (listing seventeen factors, six of which mention “publicity”).

The Defendant has not made any specific allegations with regards to the factors listed in
Hoover. Instead, the Defendant essentially alleges that anytime a sitting judge is a victim, the trial
must be moved because there is the potential that the judge will someday sit in judgment over one
or more jurors. We believe this rule would be too restrictive and not in the spirit of Hoover. Judges
are to use various factors to determine if a change of venue is necessary for a fair trial. We conclude
that the Defendant has not shown a clear abuse of discretion on the part of the trial court, in part,
because he has not established that “the jurors who actually sat were biased and/or prejudiced.”

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Davidson, 121 S.W.3d at 612. The Defendant was able to voir dire the jurors, and, although they
may have known Judge Ross, there is no indication they were biased or prejudiced. The Defendant
is not entitled to relief on this issue.

D. Inspection and Testing

The Defendant alleges that the trial court erred in not allowing the Defendant to inspect and
test the audio tape recordings.8 The Defendant alleges that he made a motion before trial to inspect
the audio recordings, and this motion was never ruled upon. During trial, the Defendant did not
object to the playing of the audio tapes, but he merely objected to the transcripts that were given to
the jurors. After trial, the Defendant “renewed” his request to inspect the audio tapes for tampering.
This request was denied.

Tennessee Rule of Criminal Procedure 16(a)(1)(F) states, “Upon a defendant’s request, the
state shall permit the defendant to inspect and copy or photograph . . . tangible objects . . . if the item
is within the state’s possession, custody or control” and either the item is material to the defense or
intended to be used in the State’s case-in chief. The precise wording of the Defendant’s pre-trial
motion was, “Now comes defendant, Jerral Parris, and request[s]: (1) A copy of any and all audio
and video recordings developed by Marty McGinnis at the Tami Ross offices during 2004.” In his
pre-trial motion, the Defendant did not ask to inspect the tapes, he merely asked for a copy of the
tapes. At trial, the Defendant admits that no objection was made regarding the tapes themselves.
Finally, after trial, the Defendant asked to inspect the original tapes for possible tampering. But, in
the discussion with the trial court, the Defendant admitted he was given a copy of the tapes —
precisely what he asked for. Because the Defendant did not raise this issue until after trial, the issue
is waived. Tenn. R. App. P. 36(a) (“Nothing in this rule shall be construed as requiring relief be
granted to a party responsible for an error or who failed to take whatever action was reasonably
available to prevent or nullify the harmful effect of an error.”). The Defendant is not entitled to relief
on this issue.

E. Mistrial

The Defendant argues error on the part of the trial court in not declaring a mistrial after a
State’s witness, Judge Ross, compared the Defendant to J.B. McCord. Specifically, defense counsel
questioned Judge Ross about why he believed his wife, Tami Ross, was in physical danger:

Defense Counsel: Was there ever any threat of physical harm?

Judge Ross: Yes, there was to my wife.

Defense Counsel: Was there any threat of physical harm to her?

8
The State declined to address this issue in its brief.

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 Judge Ross: Yes, there was.

Defense Counsel: Where was that, please?

Judge Ross: In her office.

Defense Counsel: When was that?

Judge Ross: I guess a month or so before he came in her office [he] pointed his
finger at her, [and] told her she was at risk. She told him to leave the office. He
refused. She had to call the police and[,] before he left[,] he managed to give her a
card and said, [“]here give [this] to the police[,”] and she wrote him a letter and said[,
“]don’t you ever come in my office again[,”] and he never came in her office again
until he delivered this [package] to me, sir. Yes, I was concerned about physical
violence and threats from this man.

....

Defense Counsel: And you were assuming, of course, that means physical harm and
I think you’re entitled to that?

Judge Ross: I certainly am entitled to do that because I think that’s exactly what he
meant.

Defense Counsel: And you think that’s exactly what he meant?

Judge Ross: Yes.

Defense Counsel: And that’s based on what?

Judge Ross: Well, it’s based on prior cases I’ve worked. I worked a murder of an
attorney right over here across the street in a very similar situation with a man very
similar to this guy who had a problem over a deed who walked in and shot him five
times in this office on a morning. Very similar situation, very similar man. In fact,
we talked about it and all the officers agreed, this man is just like J.B. McCord.
That’s what I was concerned about. I was concerned about this but see this was a
crime when it started he didn’t have to do anything else. After that I was concerned
about - - (emphasis added)

Defense counsel then stopped his cross-examination and moved for a mistrial claiming the
Defendant could not receive a fair trial after he was gratuitously compared to a notorious murderer.
The State argued that the witness was merely responding to the question about why he felt his wife
was in danger. The trial court agreed, stating, “I think you did ask him why he felt that way and he

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told you.” Although the trial court refused to declare a mistrial, it instructed the jury not to consider
the testimony comparing the Defendant to J.B. McCord.

The decision to grant a mistrial is within the sound discretion of the trial court. State v.
Robinson, 146 S.W.3d 469, 494 (Tenn. 2004). A mistrial should be declared “upon a showing of
manifest necessity” and should be granted when “the trial cannot continue, or a miscarriage of justice
would result if it did.” Id. (citing State v. Saylor, 117 S.W.3d 239, 250-51 (Tenn. 2003) and State
v. Land, 34 S.W.3d 516, 527 (Tenn. Crim. App. 2000)). In order to reverse, we must find a clear
showing of abuse of discretion. Id. (citing State v. Reid, 91 S.W.3d 247, 279 (Tenn. 2002)).

In the present case, the testimony comparing the Defendant to a murderer was in response
to a question from defense counsel. The witness was asked why he felt his wife was in danger, and
he responded that he knew of other dangerous men to whom he felt the Defendant was similar. We
note that the comment was in response to a defense question, and a prompt curative instruction was
given. We presume juries follow curative instructions. Reid, 91 S.W.3d at 279; State v. Stout, 46
S.W.3d 689, 715 (Tenn. 2001). Thus, we conclude the Defendant has not shown by clear evidence
an abuse of discretion on the part of the trial court, and he is therefore not entitled to relief on this
issue.

F. Jury Instructions

Next, the Defendant alleges error on the part of the trial court claiming the trial court failed
to properly instruct the jury. The Defendant requested that the jury be instructed on the affirmative
defense for extortion found in Tennessee Code Annotated section 39-14-112(b). It states, “It is an
affirmative defense to prosecution for extortion that the person reasonably claimed: (1) Appropriate
restitution or appropriate indemnification for harm done; or (2) Appropriate compensation for
property or lawful services.” Id. When the Defendant asked the trial court to instruct the jury on the
affirmative defense, the court stated, “I’m going to note your objection but I don’t think the evidence
in this case preponderates in favor of finding that they met either one of those burdens of why he was
claiming restitution or what ever it was on a legitimate basis. Note your objection.”

“The general principle in criminal cases is that the trial judge has a duty to give a complete
charge of the law applicable to the facts of the case, and the defendant has a right to have every issue
of fact raised by the evidence and material to his defense submitted to the jury upon proper
instructions by the judge.” State v. Frank Peake, III, No. M2005-01674-CCA-R3-CD, 2006 WL
929296, at *8 (Tenn. Crim. App., at Nashville, Apr. 11, 2006) (citing Poe v. State, 370 S.W.2d 488,
489 (1963)), perm. app. denied (Tenn. Aug. 21, 2006). It is reversible error for a trial court to fail
to instruct the jury on all the applicable issues, including the theory of the defense. See Poe, 370
S.W.2d at 489-90 (holding that failure to give instruction on an alibi defense was reversible error);
Davis v. State, 64 Tenn. 612, 612 (1875) (same). For a trial court to instruct a jury on an affirmative
defense the Defendant need only “fairly raise” the issue and provide notice of the affirmative

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defense. T.C.A. § 39-11-204(d) (2006).9

It appears that the trial court misapplied the burden of proof by stating that the Defendant
needed to prove his affirmative defense by a preponderance of the evidence for an instruction on the
defense to be submitted to the jury. There are two burdens at issue. First, the Defendant needed to
“fairly raise” the issue. Once “fairly raised,” the jury should be instructed on the affirmative defense.
Then, the jury could acquit the Defendant if the jury determined that the affirmative defense was
proven by a preponderance of the evidence. Id. at (e); State v. Hood, 868 S.W.2d 744, 748 (Tenn.
Crim. App. 1993).

The facts in this case lead us to conclude the affirmative defense was “fairly raised,” and the
jury should have been instructed on the issue. Here, the applicable question is, did the Defendant
present evidence that fairly raises the question of whether he had a reasonable claim of appropriate
restitution for harm done. The record shows that this dispute arose out of a divorce that turned out
unfavorably for the Defendant. The Defendant felt he was wronged by both the divorce court judge
and his ex-wife’s lawyer, Tami Ross. The Defendant inquired into the possibility of a more
favorable settlement, to which Tami Ross responded that there was no incentive for her client to
settle. She told the Defendant his only option was to appeal the divorce. Then, the Defendant
delivered the package with his “incentives.” We conclude this evidence “fairly raises” the
proposition that the Defendant reasonably believed that there was “harm done” to him, and his
demands were “appropriate restitution.” This issue should have been submitted to the jury for them
to determine if the Defendant proved by a preponderance of the evidence that his actions were a
result of a reasonable claim for appropriate restitution for harm done. It was reversible error not to
instruct the jury on the affirmative defense. Notwithstanding the determination that this case should
be reversed and remanded because of the forgoing error, we will address the remainder of the
Defendant’s claims so as not to pretermit any issue.

G. Sentencing

The Defendant next contends that his sentence of 210 days in the county jail violates the
Tennessee Code Annotated section 40-35-501(a)(3) proscription against serving more than thirty
percent of his effective one-year sentence. The State concedes this error. We agree this is error
based on the statute requiring the Defendant’s sentence to be suspended upon him reaching his
release eligibility date prior to him serving 210 days. T.C.A. § 40-35-501(a)(3) (2006). Because of
this error, we conclude the case would have to be remanded for the re-sentencing of the Defendant,
even if a new trial was not required.

9
The statute also requires the Defendant to give notice of the affirmative defense no later than ten days before trial. §
39-11-204(c). The record shows the Defendant gave this notice on April 22, 2005, and the trial began on October 7,
2005.

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 III. Conclusion

In accordance with the foregoing reasoning and authorities, we reverse the judgments of the
trial court and remand the case for a new trial.

___________________________________
ROBERT W. WEDEMEYER, JUDGE

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