My confession - a lie

I like one aspect of Christianity. Cofession.

A sin is cleared (at least partially) if the sinner confesses (am I right?). Of course, it is in Hinduism also and I am sure it is in all other religions in one form or another. "Prayaschittam" - repentence - is one form of atonement.

But one should not forget the subtle difference between crime and sin. Criminal should be punished and sinner should atone.

Lie can be both sin and crime.

Assuming that my lie is not a crime, I am confessing: I lied.

(Are you curious to know what the lie is? I wont tell.
If it is a sin, this partial confession would partially absolve me.. which is enough for me.
If it is a crime, confession is not enough, anyway.)