Did I do wrong? is there jail time involve? will I go to h**l?

Question

So I been helping this old lady shes about 70 years old and I take her to buy groceries from time to time. She lost her wallet in my car and I didn't find it until 3 weeks later. She made a comment one time that she didn't really care about the money she just wish she could get her wallet back. I guess she just really wanted insurance card stuff like that back anyways I happen to find the wallet so I mailed her the wallet back. This lady is super loaded should I feel bad for keeping the money. I been feeling kinda guilty lately and I want to fess up and tell her. Whats a good approach on doing this? can I go to jail for this? Please only serious answers only.

Answer 1

I think you should sit down and talk to her about why you stole the money, she probably values your company and help, she will probably understand, but I would give her the money back when you get there.

Good luck

Answer 2

Well, on the plus side, you cared about her concerns about her wallet and most of its contents and mailed it back, so take some comfort in that.  You still stole from her though, and she wasn't a random stranger, she trusted you.

Realistically, unless you need and want to go to jail (or at least have a criminal record; you probably won't go to jail on a first offense where you plead guilty and have obvious remorse -- that's assuming it IS a first offense), I don't see the value in confessing to HER.  If you really feel bad, confess to a priest (regardless of whether or not you're Catholic.  Other faiths don't have an institution as sacredly silent as the confessional.).  I don't know how much money was in the wallet but what you MIGHT do is send the money back.  Put it in an envelope under her door with a typed letter apologizing for taking it in the first place, which you should not sign.

I understand completely why people are telling you to confess the truth to her, but I think it's a bad idea.  This is not like when you were a kid and you stole candy and your parents made you take it back and apologize for what you did.  You're an adult now, and your honesty, while commendable, has consequences.  The worst thing that could happen is that she presses charges and you go to jail.  The second worst thing that could happen is that she presses charges and you have a criminal record.  The best case scenario is that she doesn't press charges, but you lose your relationship with her because she will never trust you or allow you to help her again, and you'll still feel that guilt for the rest of your life.  In addition to which, you may burden her with a feeling of being nervous about trusting ANYONE, and why?  So YOU can feel better?  Give the money back if you have it to give and don't say anything.  It's not as if you're a danger to her or plan to repeat it...right?

As to h**l, all I can tell you is what my spiritual view is.  I don't believe people go to h**l for things for which they are penitent.

UPDATE:

I'm sorry, but I think a lot of us would have taken the money in that situation.  It is really reckless for you all to suggest to this person that he should risk something that will mark him for the rest of his days over this and besides, while you were busy thumbs downing my post, you didn't EVEN BOTHER to consider the impact of that information on that poor woman.

Answer 3

Honestly, what you did was wrong and at least you feel bad about it.  But I have a feeling that this lady is very old and most likely senile.  She may be on the verge of dementia.  So by the time you mailed the wallet to her she probably forgot about the entire situation.  When the wallet finally arrived the lady was probably confused how a new wallet arrived at her house with her medical insurance cards already inside.  She probably thought it was a new promotion or something.  I have a neighbor lady kind of like this.  She constantly plays those "You May Be Our Next Millionaire!!!" sweepstakes that vultures send to senile old people.  Every once in a while, after sending off thousands of dollars, she receives a clock radio, or some other piece of junk to keep her playing.  When this lady's purse arrived I'll bet that this is what she thought happened.

Answer 4

well i know that feeling. i lost about 200 dollars in 6th grade from a fund raising money. a classmate of mine returned it back when she found it. i was so happy because i got all the money back and that she was kind enought to return it. so since that day i always think back to that day whenever im tempted to take something that is not mine. i dont think that you would go to jail for it but i do think that you should return the money. the worst feeling that can ruin you i guilt. trust me, give it back and that moment you will feel as light as a feather. you also feel bad because you stole from an old woman. but dont stress over the past. its the furture that matters and what you do to fix your mistake. dont beat yourself up too much. its the outcome that matters. if you feel too emberassed to tell her the truth, just tell her that you needed the money and you were goning to return it back, just like you are doing now. you will be fine once you do the right thing. its all about learning from your mistakes and so far you got throught step one, which is guilt so just do the right thing and move on with your life. just make sure you learned from this experience

Answer 5

why'd you steal it in the first place?

ye better know how to answer that.

and yes, you could go to jail for it.

the best thing to do is to just admit it,

and tell her you're sorry and all. be sincere.

don't worry too much.

:)

Answer 6

its alll her call but honestly i think your screwed man sorry.

Answer 7

Give her the money back and fess up- she probably won't press charges but yes you could go to jail for stealing.

I am sure your parents raised you to do the honorable thing don't let them down.

Answer 8

well jailtime is a possibilty depending on the ammount of money that you stole

you should feel incredibly horrible for taking her maoney

tell her the truth about the situation

Answer 9

first of all you are a p.o.s for doing that to her.... no matter what happens, you should tell her.... How would you feel if someone did that to your grandmother????

Answer 10

You know it was the wrong thing to do. It doesn't matter if this lady is rich or not she is old and vulnerable. She relies on you for help and trusts you. I can understand why you feel guilty.

You should return her money and tell her what you have done. You have to accept she has the right to feel angry and let down and take action against you.  When you took her money this is the risk you took with it. However, having made amends and taking the consequences, whatever they are, you will be able to live with the knowledge that you have done the best you can to put things right.

Answer 11

Yes it's wrong, you can go to jail (assuming she decides to press charges and depending on how much money it was.

Come on, do you really not know the answer or are you looking for validation?