Liedeke Allyn Sharp

Hi Allyn, I'm not sure if you remember me, but you were my public defender for a marijuana possession charge in Greensboro about four years ago. I just celebrated four years of sobriety a few weeks ago and thought that I should take some time this Thanksgiving to show my gratitude for the people ...who helped get me where I am today. When I met you I was in a horrible place in my life. I was barely employable, drinking every day, estranged from my family and had no future or hope. You very graciously took a strong interest in my case and helped me get a deferred judgement for my charges. However, even though I had a felony looming over my head, I violated my probation and appeared in court drunk for my probation violation hearing. My actions certainly didn't deserve any special treatment, but for some reason you didn't give up on me and helped me to find a way into a rehab. Since then my life has had some ups and downs, but drugs, alcohol and crime no longer have any influence on my life. I've moved to Charlotte for a decent job with an engineering firm, done much to repair my relationship with my family, I no longer have any substantial debt, and lived to tell my story to many people suffering from the problems that used to plague my life. There are many people who have helped me along the way but none as selflessly as the way you helped me. I am at a loss to fully express my gratitude. Thank you for everything you have done for me and everything you are. Keep up the good fight.