[jennyfromtheback]

Until just about 2 weeks ago, I had forgotten (how, I don't know) that I done something extremely horrible and wrong. 6 months ago, I forged a check written to my roomate ($20.00). I signed her name and then endorsed the check (my name) and deposited it into my bank. This is haunting me extremely bad (as it should) and I don't want to get into trouble. Nothing has came of this and we no longer 'room' together. We are not on good terms at all. I just don't want this to come back and 'get me' and I am not sure if she will ever wonder "what happened to that check" even though it has been 6 months. I want to make this right but again, she really doesn't like me. I feel horrible and so many other things on top of it. Should I call her, tell her what I did and pay the money back or leave it alone? I realize nobody here knows me or her. I just want some kind of advice. I really want to make this right and do the right thing but on the other hand, I am scared to tell her because she may be so mad that she takes the cash & then researches everything and turns me in. It's a felony and I have been to jail once. I know this must sound so stupid of me to be typing this and I really don't wish to be ridiculed. I am being so serious and sincere. Trying to get my life straight and do the right thing. PLEASE any advice?

[Mr. Knowitall]

You've probably been lucky so far because of the relatively small amount of the check. But by the same token you put your neck on the chopping block over $20 - taking a $20 from her purse would be a petty theft-type offense, but forging and passing somebody else's check is a serious felony, subject to enhanced sentencing due to your prior felony. Without wanting to draw any undue assumptions or pass judgment, if you needed the money for a fix you really need to get into NA or treatment.

If I were you I would anonymously send her a money order for $20. You can buy a money order, send it anonymously, but have a receipt of the payment. She cashes it and has the $20 - perhaps being a bit confused about why it came, but restored to her proper financial position. In the event that somehow, somewhere down the line, the check you forged becomes an issue, you have a record to show that you repaid the money (albeit anonymously), which could help you out a lot in resolving the charge.