My question involves criminal law for the state of: California
Good afternoon everyone, and first off thank you in advance for reading about and/or offering advice to me.
About 3 weeks ago I had to resign from my former position as a property manager. My boss came to me and said they audited the last 2 months of bank deposits and something was fishy. I admitted to stealing $1350, which they deducted from my last months paycheck. This was by far the worst day of my life, so much shame and embarrassment, especially due to the fact that I was the company "favorite", then left how I did. My boss made me write a letter saying that I took the money and they could deduct it from my final paycheck. He also made me write a resignation letter.
However there is more to this story, I took money early this year and last year as well, but that was not mentioned in my last day of employment. Yesterday however my former employer called me and said they have audited all of my books since I started and came up with $10,000! I told him that was impossible,then he said it's actually $8,000 but there a few months left to audit and he was sure that it would reach that amount. He told me I could pay the $10,000 back and avoid law enforcement.
I know for a fact the actual amount is in the range of $1500 - $2300, ( I looked at my bank deposits since I got the job to come up with that number.
My boss told me that if I did not pay that amount that they would prosecute and I would need a lawyer.
I met with a couple lawyers today and will meet with a third tomorrow but I would like insight from this community if you are willing.
If my boss would agree to the actual amount then I would be willing to pay but I am afraid to admit guilt to that lesser amount in case he tries to prosecute for the larger amount, and my guilt admission would be held against me.
I would rather negotiate with my former boss than pay a lawyer to do it.
I start school next week as a junior in college and I am so lost, ashamed, stressed, embarrassed as I should be, just looking for any advice.
Also, I know what I did was wrong, and the effects have already been severe, from losing my job, to pretty much losing my girlfriend I live with because she does not trust me. We started going to counseling and I have went to church since I resigned, just trying anything I can to be a better person. I am at the lowest of lows right now and it has been the first time I have actually considered ending it all due to depression. (I would not do that however just for consideration of my family, who I love, and don't know the full story of why I resigned.) I'm just trying to explain the toll that my own actions have caused me, I can't believe this situation and wish it was a bad dream. I have lost 12 pounds since the incident because I can't bring myself to eat normally
Sorry for rambling on but I am just lost, thanks everyone for their time.
Cliffnotes :
I stole from my employer and was caught, but for less than I actually stole.
3 weeks later he calls me asking for more money due to further auditing.
I am a scumbag.
P.S. - I have no prior legal issues, tickets, or anything like that.

