13 years ago when I 17, stupid, and undisciplined I was sentenced to 4 years in prison followed by 3 years of probation for Armed Burgulary. I will admit my guilt and have from the very beginning. Within a week of being incarcerated I realized my wrongs, and made a commitment to change my life. Between being arrested and sentenced to 4 years in prison I was released on bail for 3 months, during which time I completed high school, and focused on a new lifestyle.

I was released from custody after 3 years 8 months in May of 1999, 9 years ago. Since that time I have completed college, graduating in the top 5% of my class and with honors. I have always had a strong work ethic, and have always put in the best work I can at any job I have held. To this day though I have yet to find a company that would hire me after looking into my background. For 13 years I have been committed to putting the past behind me, but the only time it comes up is when I go to look for a new career.

I am not sure how many people serve 4 years in prison, and then go on and do the things that I have done. 85% do go back to prison within 2 years of release. I have looked into getting my records sealed, which in the state I live in is impossible for someone with my "armed" charge. I have tried to get my rights restored, which 1.5 years later I still have not heard anything. I just don't know how long it will be till I have paid for my mistakes. I did my time, paid my restitution, and changed my life. I have almost floored people when I reveal my secret, because they just can't believe that I would have served 4 years in prison.

Needless to say, I will always have to pay for my crimes. I will always get passed up for the job to another person with less experience, less character, and less education than me. I understand the severity of my crimes, so when people say "well you deserve it", well I probably do. I just say this, when I was sentenced to 4 years 2 months and 22 days to prison followed by 3 years of probation they said it was to pay for my crimes. Well I would have gladly served an extra year in prison to really pay for my crimes, and not have to deal with this every day. I would have loved to be able to say, "well judge, if you give me an extra year will you seal my records when I get out." I thought I paid my debt to society, but that debt has high intrest payments aparently.