I think that your instinct to hire an attorney is a good one and that you should follow through with it as soon as you can.  No one in this type of forum can assess the matter to let you know if a deal is possible or not.  And if charges have not yet been filed then the prosecutor may not be the person to approach as to a deal anyway.  You will have to approach the State Department of Welfare to discuss the paying back of the money and any agreement as to same and what it will say. This is a very serious matter as I am sure that you are aware so I think that you need to get someone that you trust to handle it for you.