Actually, it seems to me that was the get out of jail free card.
Well, I mostly represent myself where things seem cut and dry. I once faced three states in court- NY, NJ & RI. They stopped me outside the courtroom to put my mind at ease and make a deal so I wouldn't have to face the judge. I replied that I thought perhaps I should talk to the judge and showed them my well prepared paper work, said I feared I might need relief. I thought they were going to cry... dropped the proceedings.
Solid paperwork generally wins.