Leo Sandoval

It was very hard to dig in and deal with all my childhood trauma as well as the trauma from living a drug dealing and partying lifestyle. At 12 years old I went from experimenting with marijuana to trying other things. I was so lost on the sauce I was drinking everyday, smoking weed everyday, and did a lot of coke. I had been to treatment and jail too many times to count. Even a trip to prison and got into a prison fight. Alcoholism, drug addiction, and a dysfunctional lifestyle really had my life going nowhere fast.

It progressed and eventually I was busted for 1st Degree Drug Sales for cocaine and was facing 144 months in prison. I sat in jail for three months very desperate for a miracle. I began praying and surrender my life best I could. By the Grace of God I was given one last chance. The judge sentenced me to a 13 month long term treatment program in which I graduated and was blessed with the opportunity to work there and live in a sober house for a year afterwards. This long term approach was the help I needed to break the chains. I had the opportunity to lead over 600 presentations in every high school and middle school in the Minneapolis/Saint Paul Twin Cities area.

Now I am married going on six years, I am a father to my two children ages 13 and 10. I run a snow plowing business and real estate team, and still do speaking engagements. I am a home owner and drive my dream car. I have shown the judges and law enforcement no matter how many times you arrest someone you never know when they’ve had enough. As a three time felon I show the community that I am a productive and trusting member of society. I am very blessed to have just celebrated over 9 years clean and sober! :)