I made a huge mistake. I forged and cashed some payroll checks at my last job totaling about $4,000. I have been worried sick about it. The police called and we talked. I admitted it. I feel so ashamed. I do not have any priors. Never been in any trouble. I do not have the money to pay her back in a lump sum. I know I am going to be arrested. Is this a felony or misdemeanor in NC? OMG!! I am so freaking out. Will I go to jail? I don't even have money for an attorney.

That's a felony... and not by a small amount. Might as well find a lawyer now.

You don't have the lump sum. Have you paid back what you have?
It's best to avoid the word mistake when trying to apologize. A mistake is when you added some numbers and got the total wrong, or dropped the dish you were carrying. You knew you were forging. No mistake. The cops always say 'Your mistake was getting caught.' You could say your mistake was thinking you might get away with it. So don't use that word! What you say will have an effect on what the employer wants the DA to do or not. And give back every penny you do have, with a monthly plan for the rest. And have a yard sale. And no coffees out, no new clothes or makeup or hairdressers or ANYTHING not vital to food and shelter. Bread and water.