Kildare man gets 25 years

On Sept. 25, a Cass County jury found Justin Lane Price, of Kildare, guilty of the felony offense of Possession of a Controlled Substance (methamphetamine), greater than four grams, less than 200 grams.

In the State of Texas, this offense is a second degree felony which carries a punishment range of two (2) to twenty (20) years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice and/or a fine not to exceed $10,000.00.

However, due to Price’s criminal history, including prior felony convictions for Burglary of a Habitation and Injury to a Child, Price’s punishment range was increased to that of a first degree felony which is a range of five (5) to ninety-nine (99) years or life.

After learning of Price’s criminal history, and after hearing arguments of both State’s attorney, Nick Ross, and defense attorney, Edwin Buckner, Fifth District Judge Bill Miller sentenced Price to serve twenty-five (25) years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.