I live in nor california which is great place to grow, basicly you have to have a huge operation out here to get into any trouble, were seeing people with over a 100 plants getting off with just getting their medicine confiscated, obviously this is if you have your medical liscense. The only problem like alot of places is the work situation out here, not sure abou the market for sheet metal worker, but we have one of the best growing environments here in the northern part of the valley, I like the idea of Colorado that someone mentioned earlier although I dont know much about colorado but Ive been hearing alot about them as far as marijuana reform. Theres always Canada, they could sure use some cool people up there, lol, could be the new start your looking for. Seriously man I wish you the best of luck, for sure get that lawyer, Im not familiar with the laws where you are but hopefully you can get the felony knocked down to misdemeanor, that should be the number one goal. Again good luck, things will work itself out, stay strong and you'll come out the other side just fine. Peace man!