Credit Card Fraud - 1 Year Later

[dumbfusion8586]

A year ago I posted a thread (http://www.expertlaw.com/forums/showthread.php?t=129890). I doubt few people ever post a long term follow-up... so here's a change.

Shortly after posting the thread, I contacted respectable defense lawyer and put him on retainer. It wasn't cheap: retainer fees for possible felony charge is between $2.5K to $6K. I provided the whole story to counsel and they eventually decided to extend a letter of apology and offer of reparation to the card holder/victim. Basically they would receive the merchandise that had been purchased along with receipts, and an amount of $1500 in exchange of not to pressing charges or filing a report. Several VERY long weeks passed and the lawyers then followed up with a phone call. The individual understandably expressed displeasure of my actions and basically said it would be up to the credit card company.... as far as the individual was concerned, the situation was behind them and they could care less how it played out one way or the other. And that was the end of that.

Meanwhile, I put myself into counseling. After 5 sessions, it was determined that I likely experienced a mild form of depersonalization disorder. Some readers may think that sounds like an excuse... it isn't.. I knew I was doing wrong at the time but a component of my brain became numb to any fear or care of the consequences for a brief period of time. The re-emergence to reality were draped in extreme guilt for days and weeks afterwards but it is a sign that I'm not a complete loon.... just a partial one

Anyways, the counseling therapy has continued and I've recovered in many ways to include finally forgiving myself (the hardest part). The lawyers ran a records check about 6 months after the incident and nothing came up. 9 months later, I moved and took a new job which included a background check that didn't find anything either. My lawyer nor I have been contacted by anyone and it appears to be behind me now.

Anyways, the point of this post was to provide closure to a story of a generally good person who made a really, really dumb decision and tried to make things right. And to also say thank you to the moderators who provided some helpful advice.

[PTPD22]

I applaud you on your efforts to overcome your problems and turn your life around. So many people say they intend to do so when faced with the potential consequences of their criminal behavior, but never put their words into actions. It is refreshing to hear about someone who took action even when the most serious consequences never actually happened.

It sounds like you were very lucky. But, it also sounds like you realize how lucky you were and are working hard to never put yourself under the gun like that again. I encourage you to continue your therapy and hard work to keep your life straight. Thank you for sharing your experience.