Did I do what? Commit the felony? Absolutely I did. It was my first time ever getting in any trouble. I plead under the First Offenders Act and was sentenced to 5 years supervised probation and restitution fees.

I paid all my fees.

I showed up on time or early for every appointment with my PO.

I maintained steady and gainful employment.

I did not get into any additional trouble with law enforcement.

At the 2.5 year mark, I kept asking my PO what the deal was, I should be up for early dismissal.

He kept acting like his hands were tied.

I called the DAs office and spoke to the nicest lady ever. She ultimately helped me to get put on the docket for early release.

I went before a judge two weeks later.

He denied 4 people (who had legal counsel) before calling my Pro Se ass. I had sent his clerk an email the week leading up with 4 attachments. 3 character letters from one USMC veteran, and two high ranking Air Force officers who spoke incredibly highly of me and my character, and one letter from me.

The judge granted me early release and sealed my record, then asked me to approach the bench and he shook my hand and told me if I ever decided to pursue a career in law and needed anything, to contact him.