Appellate panel to decide whether Walmart trespass notice was admissible in burglary conviction

An appellate panel heard oral argument in State of Tennessee v. William C. Sutton over whether a Walmart trespass notice stating the defendant was banned for “life” should have been admitted at trial and whether, without that exhibit, there was sufficient evidence to support a burglary conviction.

The issue matters because the defense contends the document was hearsay and that, without it, the state lacked proof that Sutton knew he lacked consent to enter the store. The state says the defendant signed the document, the signing was explained to him by a witness, and video evidence shows him entering the store and removing items.

Jackson Fenner, attorney with the Knox County Bar representing appellant William Sutton, argued the…