On probation in Oakland County, especially in communities like Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township, your rules can vary by court order and your probation officer’s instructions. If you’re wondering what you can and can’t do about travel while supervised here in Oakland County (and across Michigan), this guide breaks down the essentials and how to get permission the right way, a process where a criminal lawyer in Oakland County can be a valuable asset. This question is particularly relevant for those who need to travel due to work obligations, family commitments, or for the enjoyment of a well-earned break.
Navigating the specifics of probation and travel can be challenging, as it typically depends on individual situations. It is crucial to seek advice from a skilled Oakland County criminal lawyer who can offer guidance specific to your case. At Michigan Defense Law, our criminal lawyers’ deep familiarity with local laws and regulations may be of great assistance in guiding you through the probation process, helping you to understand your rights and limitations to avoid violating probation. Contact us today at (248) 451-2200 to schedule a consultation.
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The Court Must Know and Approve of Any Travel Plans
Interviewer: Can you actually leave town while you’re on probation?
Paul J. Tafelski, Michigan Criminal Lawyer: In Oakland County, most probationers must get permission before leaving Michigan. Practically, that means submitting a written request through your probation officer with your destination, dates, purpose, and proof. That could involve the 6th Circuit Court in Pontiac or nearby district courts like the 48th District Court (Bloomfield Hills), 52-3 (Rochester Hills), or 52-4 (Troy). If travel is routine for work, your attorney may seek pre-approved or “blanket” permission at sentencing. For one-off trips, ask as early as possible so your officer has time to review and, if needed, contact the court.
Other times, they may have a specific trip planned or a specific event coming up, and we can get that permission right at the time of sentencing. But if something comes up while they’re on probation that they don’t already have permission for—they have to submit a request through their probation officer for permission to leave the state. Otherwise, if they get found out, it could be a violation of probation.
For example, I had a client call me once that he was living in the state of Florida. Even though he was on probation here, he had permission to live in Florida. However, he went on a cruise at the last minute for a weekend where they left the state of Florida and they went to the Caribbean somewhere.
Well, when he came back in, he went through Customs, and Customs found out when they ran his passport that he was on probation in Michigan and they notified his probation officer here that he had been traveling out of the country, and then his probation officer violated him here.
So bottom line is you do have to take that restriction pretty seriously, too, because the world is getting smaller and smaller with all the computer systems that are in place.
It’s an example of a situation where he just didn’t think about it and just wasn’t taking it as seriously as he should have. Probably, he could have got permission if he would have tried to do it ahead of time. But, instead, he just tried to sneak and then got caught.
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Travel Restriction for a Misdemeanor case
A person might obtain probation in several ways, such as through negotiation, by pleading guilty, or by mitigating the potential damage of a conviction. Regardless of the path taken, a misdemeanor conviction generally offers a greater chance for future success than a felony. This could lead to better arrangements, such as the possibility of traveling out of state or keeping a job after the conviction. Judges and probation officers may be more open to travel in less serious cases and when you’re compliant.
Travel Restriction for a Felony Case
International travel while on probation is tightly controlled. In Michigan, probationers need court approval to travel out of state, and probationers may travel to other countries only if the court approves. Parolees may not travel to other countries. If a judge or probation officer assesses flight risk or non-compliance, travel can be denied.
| Factor | Misdemeanor Probation | Felony Probation |
|---|---|---|
| Travel without permission | Not allowed; approval must be obtained from probation officer | Stricter restrictions; harder to get approval |
| How to request travel | Submit request with destination, dates, purpose, and contact details | Same process, but may also require court approval |
| Consequences of unauthorized travel | Considered a probation violation; may lead to penalties | Higher risk of arrest and probation revocation |
| Approval considerations | Past compliance, valid reason for travel, clear itinerary | Same factors, with added concern over flight risk and offense severity |
Oakland County Criminal Lawyer – Michigan Defense Law
Paul J. Tafelski
For more than twenty years, Paul J. Tafelski has fought for people facing criminal charges across Michigan. A graduate of Michigan State University and the Detroit College of Law at MSU, Paul is admitted in all Michigan state and federal courts. Clients and colleagues know him for his command of the courtroom and his practical, human approach to high-stakes situations.
Paul has successfully defended hundreds of cases from arraignment through jury trial, earning a solid winning track record and a reputation as an outstanding criminal defense lawyer. Recognized by Super Lawyers (2011–2013, 2017–2021) and named a Leading Lawyer (2017), he combines persuasive advocacy, clear communication, and a deep understanding of human nature to help clients avoid jail, protect their records, and move forward with their lives.
Permitted Travel
If you’re on probation, start with your probation officer, who will process your request and submit it as needed for court approval. In Michigan, leaving the state requires the court’s consent; officers typically issue a travel permit only after approval is granted. International trips for probationers are allowed only with court approval, and parolees may not travel outside the U.S. If there’s any flight-risk or compliance concern, approval can be denied.
Can Felons Leave the Country?
While you’re on probation in Michigan, you may not leave the United States without advance court approval. Your probation officer cannot authorize international travel on their own. Submit a written request through your officer with your destination(s), dates, purpose, itinerary, and proof (e.g., work letter, family documentation). Build in lead time, the officer may need to confer with the prosecutor and seek a judge’s order. If granted, you’ll receive a travel permit specifying where and when you’re allowed to go.
Courts typically weigh your compliance to date (missed tests, fees/restitution status, reporting history), the nature of the offense, your flight-risk profile, and whether the trip is necessary (work or family need) versus discretionary. Last-minute leisure trips are less likely to be approved than verified work travel or documented family emergencies.
Parolees may not travel outside the U.S.
Unauthorized international travel can trigger a probation violation. Ports of entry and carriers routinely share data with law enforcement, so attempting to “sneak” a trip risks immediate notification to your probation officer.
Can You Leave the State on Probation
While on probation, it’s typically expected that you remain within your state of residence. Permission to travel out of state must usually be granted by either the court or your probation officer. This could be arranged during your sentencing if you can demonstrate a valid necessity for travel, such as for work or a planned event.
However, unexpected travel needs may arise while you’re on probation. In such instances, it’s crucial to seek permission from your probation officer before leaving the state. Failure to obtain approval could result in a violation of your probation terms, which may carry serious consequences.
Probation terms can vary significantly depending on whether the offense was a misdemeanor or a felony, with the latter usually carrying stricter conditions. Always consult with your probation officer or legal counsel to understand your specific probation conditions and how they impact your freedom of movement.
Serving clients across Oakland County (including Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy, Rochester Hills, Novi, Royal Oak, Pontiac, and cases in the 6th Circuit Court (Pontiac) and nearby district courts), Michigan Defense Law can help you request travel permission, avoid violations, and fight for probation terms that fit your work and family needs. Call (248) 451-2200 to talk with an Oakland County criminal lawyer today.
