The Felony I Didn't Deserve — And Absolutely Needed
Five years and four months ago, I was arrested at the Racetrack gas station in Weatherford, TX. Sitting at pump 10. Truck off. Keys out. Sandwich in hand. I wasn’t driving. I was waiting on a ride. Still, I was charged with my third DWI.
Did I deserve it? No.
But did I need it? 100%.
The night before—May 11, 2020—I got on my knees, drunk, crying out to God: “Save me. I’m yours.” I passed out on the floor. Hopeless. Lost. Done.
The next night, I was arrested. Not for driving. For sitting. A gas station employee called the police. I was picked up for public intoxication, then charged with a felony DWI after my two priors were discovered. It was the first night of new COVID protocols. I got a hospital visit, then jail. The courts were shut down for two years. I wore an ankle monitor. I had a breathalyzer in my truck. I reported weekly. I complied with everything. For two long years.
One year in, I played drums at the White Elephant Saloon. No drinking. Just playing. But the ankle monitor caught alcohol in the air. Two violations. Two walk-throughs. $8,000 in bond fees. For playing music. Did I mention I didn’t deserve the DWI?
By April 2022, court finally came. The prosecution recommended 10 years in prison. I had a lawyer who “worked deals,” not fights. I couldn’t afford a fighter. So we agreed: 10 years felony probation.
Now, here’s the truth...
Five years and four months later, I thank God for every ounce of it. That moment saved my life. It ended relationships I didn’t need. It gave me the health, peace, and purpose I never had. It gave me God.
Today, I walk in freedom. Not from a court. From myself. This isn’t about guilt or fairness. It’s about surrender. And purpose.
If you’re battling—reach out. You’re not alone. You’re not broken beyond repair. Your worst moment could be your wake-up call.
Reach out anytime:
📩 michaelking@kingofhabits.com
🌐 www.kingofhabits.com
#SobrietyJourney #RockBottomToRedemption #FelonyToFreedom #GraceInTheStorm #KingOfHabits #FaithAndRecovery #RedemptionStory #YoureNotAlone #LifeAfterDWI #GodMoves
