Over the summer, I made a HUGE judgement both in character of myself and in error & forged & cashed 2 payroll checks from my employer. My boss found this out, called the police & filed a report... The police came to my home, asked me some questions, and told me that they would be in touch. Shortly after, I met with my employer, & left my position there on my own accord. (this was in sept.)

Last week, while I was at work, the police officer came back to my house. They spoke with my roommate, had told her that they spoke with the place that the checks were cashed and not in so many words, said they knew that I did it & to have me call the officer to "get this cleared up".

Should I be expecting to get arrested when the cops come back to my house & I am home? Should I call them back & see what he has to say?

I have no record other than a DUI in '01, and 1 arrest after for probation violations (not paying my fines & community service.)

I want to pay my former employer back, but how can I do so, without admitting guilt?
(the 2 checks were less than $300 total)

Any advice is appreciated. I'm not a bad person, I just made a bad choice while in a financial bind..

Hello beautiful:

You should be expecting to get arrested. Don't call them. They're not your friends at this point. I'd call an attorney instead. Even if they come to arrest you, don't talk to them.

excon

Thank you! That's pretty much what I assumed..

I guess my only 'question' is why have they let so much time pass? I know it hasn't been years, but 4 months later seems like a good span of time, considering they know where to find me & all.

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Originally Posted by beautifully_broken

I guess my only 'question' is why have they let so much time pass considering they know where to find me & all.

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Hello again, beautiful:

The wheels of justice move slowly unless you're a serial killer. Besides, as you said, they knew where to find you.

excon

Makes sense. Thanks again for answering-- I'm not very knowledgeable in this 'field' I gues/

So, what should I expect if/when I am arrested? I know I should get a lawyer, I just don't really have the money for one (the few I did contact had a retainer of $2500.. if I had that extra cash around, I wouldn't of stolen not even $300 from my job.. funny how that works out, eh... )
Also, how can I go about paying my employer back without incriminating myself?

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Originally Posted by beautifully_broken

makes sense. thanks again for answering-- I'm not very knowledgable in this 'field' I gues/

So, what should I expect if/when I am arrested? I know I should get a lawyer, I just dont really have the money for one (the few I did contact had a retainer of $2500.. if I had that extra cash around, I wouldnt of stolen not even $300 from my job.. funny how that works out, eh...)
also, how can i go about paying my employer back without incriminating myself?

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You can't pay it back "without incriminating yourself" and it probably wouldn't stop the legal process.

(It's your life but I think you are excusing yourself - this is not a huge mistake; this is theft; a lot of people don't have extra cash and don't steal. I think I'd try less of an attitude and more being sorry - just my opinion.)

Hello again, beautiful:

You may not be able to pay them back at this point without incriminating yourself, so don't try.

An arrest isn't necessarily them taking you into custody. It just begins the criminal process.

Because it's a lousy $300, I doubt they'll take you to jail. They'll probably just cite you (give you a ticket), and you'll have to go to court. When you get to court, if you don't have an attorney, one should be appointed to you at no charge. I say "should", because if they charge you with a misdemeanor, not every jurisdiction provides an attorney for free. Being charged with a misdemeanor is good, though - much better than a felony.

If that's the case, don't talk to the cops.

If they actually take you into custody (a distinct possibility if the cops are bored), they'll book you, and set a bail amount or let you go on your own recognizance. If they set bail, it's probably going to be around $300. Funny how that works.

If that's the case, don't talk to the cops.

Down the road, believe me, you'll get an opportunity to pay your employer back.

excon

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Originally Posted by JudyKayTee

You can't pay it back "without incriminating yourself" and it probably wouldn't stop the legal process.

(It's your life but I think you are excusing yourself - this is not a huge mistake; this is theft; a lot of people don't have extra cash and don't steal. I think I'd try less of an attitude and more being sorry - just my opinion.)

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My appoligies for coming off with an attitude.. that is far from the case. I guess my playful sarcasm isn't appropriate at a time like this.
I am very sorry for what I did. I understand I did something very bad, and feel terrible. Not only because its wrong, but because my boss was someone who became my friend.. I made a bad choice, and would give about anything to take it back (esp. after sitting there & having him tell me if I needed the money, he wouldve given it to me). That's why I want to pay the money back-- not so much because I want the problem to go away, but because its what's right.
I guess now I;m just scared. I don't want to go to jail.. lose my job.. anything. Im worried not calling the cop back makes it look like I'm running and make thing sworse.

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Originally Posted by beautifully_broken

Im worried not calling the cop back makes it look like im running and make thing sworse.

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Hello again:

I know it's difficult in these times of stress. However, let me repeat myself. If the cop is going to arrest you, then he is. His mind is made up, and like I told you earlier, he's not your friend. IF you speak to him at all, he's NOT going to be looking for the things that will make you innocent. NO, that's not his job. He's going to be looking for the things that make you guilty. That IS his job. He's better at his job than you are. You're not going to convince him of anything. Besides, you ARE guilty, so what do you have to tell him anyway?

Nope, the people you're going to have to convince now are the prosecutors, and you're not even going to have a chance to speak with them until later.

Speak to the cops now at your own peril.

excon

Sorry excon, no time to read all of your posts.

But why have you not already paid them back, you don't have to admit anything to pay them back, if you had paid them back within a few weeks they may have droped any charges against you.

You could have merely called it a "over payment" and gave them a check for what you owe them back.

By not paying them back, it will go worst in court.

Although you should be punished for what you did. At present you are just a suspect.
Do not say or do anything to incriminate yourself further.
You have had other problems in the past which means you still have issues that may surface
In the future. Although I do not agree with our penal system. Its all we have for now. Maybe serving a little time behind bars is just what you need. Stop violating the rights of others and making excuses for yourself!