Good day to all. I am living in Louisiana. I was convicted of copyright infringement (downloading computer software) and sentenced to 5 months imprisonment and 1 year of probabtion. After hurricane Katrina, I realized that it was time for a career change since the company I woked for at the time never returned after the storm. In the fall of 2007 I enrolled in 4 year university and I'm currently majoring in Accounting.

In the past, I have lied on job applications about my felony conviction. Most companies only perform state background checks and my conviction was at a federal level which isn't on record if someone only performs a state background check (even my parole officer hinted at this fact in so many words).

I woke up this morning wondering if I'm on the right career path. Upon graduating and preparing to take the CPA exam I don't think I'll be able to lie about my past anymore because I hear that it's nearly impossible for someone to get bonded if they've had a felony conviction. I'd like to know if anyone has any insight on this matter and please offer any suggestions.

Thank you.

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You can "probably" get bonded if you apply to enough companies and are willing to pay a high premium.

I'd be more worried about a professional license.