American worried about traveling in Europe with expired Visa

Hello, I'm an American whose been in a European country for about 6 months, widely overstaying my Schengen visa. I'm wondering how likely it is that I'll have problems traveling by air in Europe and when I return to the States in a few months. Also, is there any recourse available? If I speak to the local authorities or even the consolate, and tell them my fairly plausible excuse, might they give me a no-hassle pass back to America? I'm not particularly proud of it, but I know Americans receive preferential treatment in many places, am I looking at a serious legal risk here? Thanks for any response.

Biscuit