Allen Gwinn 2004-01-14 05:00 DISD (Schools) Ron Price
It's all over for Dallas School Board Member Ron Price who is now, officially a convicted wifebeater with no route of appeal.
A Dallas Criminal Court of Appeals Judge has dismissed the appeal citing "lack of jurisdiction." This means that Price's original conviction for domestic abuse stands.
Price was convicted in Dallas Municipal Court on March 24, of domestic violence in an assault on his wife. According to police and arrest reports, Price forced his way into his wife's apartment and "pushed her on the chin causing her to fall backwards." Sources familiar with the affair have indicated that Price was upset over a pending divorce.
At the time he was convicted, Price gave news interviews saying he would appeal the conviction. In order to appeal, however, a motion for a new trial must have be filed within 10 days of conviction.
Price missed the deadline.
Both the city attorney and district attorney objected to Price's appeal citing "the record in this case does not show that a motion for new trial was ever filed [by Price]..." It continues, "this court, therefore, does not have jurisdiction over this appeal because a motion for new trial was not filed in a timely manner."
The judge agreed and signed an order dismissing the appeal on January 14, 2004 letting the city's conviction stand.
Though the conviction in Dallas was a misdemeanor, with a fine of $250, federal law enhances penalties for spousal abuse. According to the U.S. Department of Justice, Price is now permanently barred from owning (or having access to) a firearm.
Should Price be found with a firearm, a federal crime in his case, he could be sent to prison for 10 years [Read the DOJ Article].
Price has been critical of Dallas.Org for our coverage and portrayal of his conviction on domestic abuse charges. "I have nothing positive to say about [Dallas.Org publisher Allen Gwinn] at all."
Dallas.Org will pay a $500 reward to anyone providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of anyone (we report on) for illegally possessing a firearm after having been convicted of domestic abuse.
