One way to regain credibility that you may have lost, is before you try to make your case to the general public, go try to sell it to someone/s with an established track record of being credible and higher than average standards. IMO, that's what this kid has done, in this case. It's not the easiest path to take, but if you're serious about changing for the better, it's definitely the best. I wish him success and the strength to stay on the right track.

Jerry