My question involves criminal law for the state of: Michigan


I am a 24 year old female. I am a CPA who works for a firm in Detroit. I was convicted yesterday of Retail Fraud 3rd ($100), a misdemeanor. I had no priors, except for a handful of traffic tickets. Sentenced to $400 in fines, restitution (all paid in full today), as well as 8 months' probation.

I am seriously concerned about my employer finding out about this conviction. As I work in the public accounting industry, thorough background checks are conducted when hired. I have only been with this firm since February, and I have no doubt that they would terminate me upon discovery that I have been convicted of a crime. (Yes, I know that I should have thought of this before I committed a crime! )

My first appointment with my PO is on May 30. I couldn't get in before then. I received a sheet today outlining the terms of my probation, most of which are very straightforward and self-explanatory, however,

I have the following questions:

1. One item reads: "You are to seek and maintain employment as directed by the probation officer and verify that with the probation officer." Is a paystub usually sufficient proof of employment, or will my PO contact my employer directly?

2. Another term of probation states that I am not to leave the state of Michigan without the court's permission. I occasionally do work at a client in Ontario. I also have a trip to Jamaica planned in December. Would my PO be likely to grant permission for either of these? Is going out of the country completely out of the question?

3. I am engaged. Our wedding is in August. Am I allowed to get married while on probation?


I know that these are questions best answered directly by my probation officer, but I couldn't get an appointment for a month. Most importantly, I am concerned about the probability of the PO notifying my work of my probation (and the reason I am on it). It will be very unlikely that I can find another job as a CPA with a conviction, so it is so important that I keep this job. Logic would tell me that the PO would want me to stay employed, and perhaps would understand the situation... I really don't want my idiotic mistake to be the end of my career.

Thank you in advance for any answers, advice, or comments you may have.