Power (S)Trip

Court arguments began here last week in a case that will test a new state law that stripped local control of post-conviction proceedings in capital cases and granted it to the Tennessee Attorney General. A ruling on the case is promised for July.

In capital cases, individuals o en seek a review of their convictions, requesting a di erent judge to assess evidence, determine intellectual disability, competency for execution, and other factors in the hopes of obtaining a reduced sentence. is process is known as collateral review.

Previously, local district attorneys represented the state in these cases. However, a bill passed by the Republican-dominated Tennessee General Assembly and signed by Republican Governor Bill Lee granted this authority to Republican Tennessee Attorney General and Reporter Jonathan Skrmetti.

but it fell largely under the radar. It even began its life as a bill focused on sexual assault kits. However, an amendment removed all of that language and completely rewrote the bill to give the state AG control in these postconviction cases. e legislature passed the bill in mid-April, and the governor signed it into law later that month.

“ is sudden move appears to be a response to the choices of voters in both Davidson County and Shelby County, who elected prosecutors to support more restorative and less punitive policies,” read a statement at the time from Tennesseans for Alternatives to the Death Penalty.

Larry McKay, who received two death sentences for the murders of two store clerks in Shelby County in 1981, has now requested a court review of previously unexamined evidence in his case. Despite the new law, his attorney seeks disquali cation of the “unelected” Tennessee Attorney General from the review.

McKay argues that the new law infringes on the responsibilities of local district attorneys, thereby violating the Tennessee Constitution. Additionally, he contends that the drastic alteration of the legislation violates the state constitution.

In support of McKay’s request, Shelby County District Attorney Steve Mulroy wants to review the new evidence. In a letter this month, Mulroy said, “ e newly enacted statute is an unconstitutional e ort to divest and diminish the authority granted to Tennessee’s District Attorneys General by the Tennessee Constitution. e new statute violates the voting rights of such voters because it strips material discretion from District Attorneys, who are elected by the quali ed voters of the judicial district.”

G&G CPA Services inaugurated their new o ces last week, along with their families and friends. The o ces are located at 5100 Poplar Avenue, Ste. 2216, in the Clark Tower. Zouleth Georgina Gonzalez, better known as “Gina,” is the owner of the CPA firm. She has a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Memphis. “We are very happy to be able to o er a comfortable and private space for our clients,” Gonzalez said.

They provide bookkeeping, payroll, and tax preparation services. Their current clientele includes businesses like medical clinics, attorneys, construction companies, restaurants, dealerships, and many more.

“I began helping family and friends with their business and then I realized there was a need in the community for a Spanish speaking CPA, I started in a very small o ce and I am very happy to see how the business has grown over the years”

“ e attorney general and reporter will have exclusive control over the state’s defense of the request for collateral review,” stated the bill. “ e attorney general and reporter will not be bound by any stipulations, concessions, or agreements made by a district attorney general regarding a request for collateral review. is amendment prohibits a trial court from issuing a nal order granting relief in a request for collateral review until the attorney general and reporter les a response to the request.” e House bill was led in January,

State attorneys argue that McKay has sought review of his case multiple times in various courts. ey challenge the arguments put forth by his attorney, asserting that the new statute does not violate the state constitution. ey further note that McKay may not even get the desired outcome if the new evidence is reviewed.

“ e General Assembly was entitled to take that statuary power away from the district attorneys and give it to the Attorney General in capital cases,” reads the court document. “ ey have done just that and their mandate must be followed.”

Gina started the business eight years ago by herself, and she now has six people on her team. Helping small to midsize businesses in Memphis grow adequately is her passion. “The preparation of taxes as well as managing financial statements is very delicate, and we treat it with all the seriousness and responsibility that it deserves. We are proud to be the first fully bilingual CPA firm in Memphis.”

G&G CPA Services is open from Monday through Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For more information or to make an appointment, call (901) 833-8839