How long does a business have to prosecute a former employee?

A business can't prosecute anyone. Only a prosecutor can do that. What they can do is to report the crime to the police and they send the case to the prosecutor. If the prosecutor believes that there is enough evidence he can file charges against you. He has to to that before the statue of limitations is up. How long that is depends on the charge and the state. For minor thefts it's probably just a few years. However, if they choose to pursue it I would guess that you will hear about it pretty soon.

Another option your employer has i to sue you in civil court for the money. If they win you will have to pay the money back but you won't be punished as it's not a criminal charge.

It is possible for the business to report it to the police AND sue you in civil court.

Perhaps it would be a good idea to offer to pay the money back. However, BEFORE you do anything like that you really should talk to a criminal defense attorney. Many defense attorneys offer free consultations. Offering to pay the money back could be seen as a confession so ask a lawyer to see if it's a good idea. They can still report you to the police though even if you pay the money back.

It can take a while for the charges to actually be pressed. I'm not trying to make you lose sleep. They could have already talked to a detective with the police department and he is putting the case together to then give to the DA.

It can take any place from a Year or 2 even 3. Though i think the Detective will speak with you. I also think you will know that the charges are being pressed with in a year or so.

There isn't a whole lot you can do now and honestly there is no point in losing sleep over it. You're just going to have to deal with it. Sorry to be blunt but it's the truth. Honestly if it was petty theft I wouldn't be that concerned about it businesses have better things to do.

If you're having anxiety and can't sleep just close your eyes and think of a relaxing calm place. Breath in through your nose and out through your mouth slowly. This will help calm you down.

How long has it been? And it depends if they want to spend the time and money on prosecution, stealing from an employer is the worst and you will serve time weather you feel good or not?