Court Opinion

ID: 9689379
Source: CourtListenerOpinion
Date Created: 2023-08-24 18:29:22.867514+00
Date Added: 2024-06-11T18:18:47.414449
License: Public Domain

*533Fitzgerald, P.J.
(concurring in part and dissenting in part). I respectfully dissent from the majority’s conclusion that the trial court abused its discretion in terminating defendant’s probation and dismissing her from youthful trainee status.
Defendant’s plea was conditioned upon her assignment to youthful trainee status. Her desire to be placed on youthful trainee status is clear. She is a world-class figure skater who is subject to intense media scrutiny. She chose to plead guilty so that the crime would not be publicized and so that she would not have a criminal record that could jeopardize her skating career. The disclosure to the press of information regarding the crime and defendant’s assignment to youthful trainee status rendered it impossible for defendant to complete her probationary period in the anonymity required by MCL 762.14(3); MSA 28.853(14)(3), see now MCL 762.14(4); MSA 28.853(14)(4).1 Given this extraordinary situation, the *534trial court implied that the goal of rehabilitation would be better served if defendant were able to continue her skating career than if her career were thwarted as a result of her continuing probation and YTA status. Given the discretion afforded to the trial court to alter and amend the terms of probation, MCL 771.2(2); MSA 28.1132(2), I cannot conclude that the trial court abused its discretion in discharging defendant from youthful trainee status and, pursuant to MCL 762.14(1); MSA 28.853(14)(1),* 2 dismissing the proceedings.
I concur with the remainder of the majority opinion.

 The trial court noted that it had received a letter from defendant’s coach that stated:
As of this morning, I’ve had calls from People magazine, Inside Edition, numerous sports writers, private investigators, and Children’s Law Center. All of these groups have correct and documented information from Nicole Bobek’s case. Even though Nicole is enrolled in your youthful trainee program these groups were able to obtain information from these concealed records.
In the recent months Nicole has changed into a much more serious athlete. Because of this change she was able to become U.S. Ladies Figure Skating Champion. My concern now is that the media will crucify her for her previous mistakes and interfere with her advancement in future competitions. Most of the above groups feel Nicole should not be allowed to leave the country and compete in world championship in England. I feel they will do their best to get their feelings in print.
I feel Nicole’s future is at stake here. Because of her recent victory, opportunities such as Pro Competitions, product endorsements and professional appearances are all in jeopardy if her *534recent problems are publicized. The financial rewards of years of hard work would never materialize. I think this punishment far outweighs her mistakes.

 MCL 762.14(1); MSA 28.853(14)(1) provided, at the time , involved herein:
If consideration of an individual as a youthful trainee is not terminated and the status of youthful trainee is not revoked as provided in section 12 of this chapter, upon final release of the individual from the status of youthful trainee, the court shall discharge the individual and dismiss the proceedings.