Fraud, Embezzlement, Bad Checks Inflated Invoice and returned the money

[Daaku]

Jurisdiction

New Jersey

Hi,
I inflated an work place invoice by $100 by submitting a quote (instead on an actual invoice) with the forged numbers, I started to feel guilty and was stressed for about three months and i made a choice to return the money back saying i returned the item and bought from a different company for a cheaper price, HR didn't say anything and they did took my check and took the money from my bank account. I thought returning the money will make me feel better, but I am worried that i can get caught for this act even after returning the money voluntarily . I know i did something wrong and learnt my lesson, But worried if i could be get caught and punished. Can i be sent to jail or put in community service for this behavior or slandered in my workplace for this behavior, i haven never done anything bad in my life this is my first brush up with the law. I get stressed whenever i think about this situation and sometimes feel that i should change my work, I like my work here. Should i talk to HR or should i do anything that can protect me in future from getting penalized for this act.

 

[Zigner]

Legally speaking, one would be well advised to NOT admit to any crimes and to only speak with his/her attorney about the matter.

Non-legally speaking, I think you should not say a word and simply live in anxiety/fear of the possible consequences for your actions. Let it be a motivator to NOT do such foolish things in the future.

 

[mightymoose]

But worried if i could be get caught and punished.

Returning the money doesn't change the fact that you committed the crime.
You will do yourself a favor to ask no questions and never soak of it. If caught you would be more likely to lose your job than face criminal penalties, but it could be both.

 

[army judge]

The wicked flee when no man pursueth: but the righteous are bold as a lion.

Proverbs 28:1 KJV

 

[adjusterjack]

never soak of it

That's right. You want to keep the situation as dry as possible.