CLOVIS, N.M. -- A 32-year-old man was sentenced to nine years in prison for an attempted murder where authorities said the victim sustained more than 15 stab wounds.

The nine-year prison sentence is the maximum time for attempted murder in the state of New Mexico.

James Gilbert, 32, according to District Attorney Matthew Chandler, entered unlawfully entered a home in the early morning hours of Oct. 3, 2010. Authorities said Gilbert repeatedly stabbed a female victim with a six-inch blade.

According to medical personnel, the victim suffered more than 15 stab wounds. The blade was eventually lodged in the victim's leg bone, police said.

Gilbert was eventually located and arrested. The State was able to prove the crime was a serious violent offense. That means 85 percent of the sentence must be served before Gilbert is eligible to be paroled.

"This crime was horrific and deserved nothing less than the maximum time for attempted murder," Chandler said. "The victim expressed her gratitude to law enforcement and paramedics for their quick response, and was pleased with the Court's decision to sentence her attacker to the maximum time for attempted murder. She is fortunate to be alive and we hope she can find some peace as she moves forward with her life. Saying that, it calls into question if the maximum time of 9 years is enough for attempted murder. I would say it's not, and hope our legislators take a serious look at the penalties in New Mexico to see if the penalties really do fit the crime."