i hope i don’t over simplify this.
Consider this. It’s ballsy, but it might just prevent a lot of collateral damage.
All you need to do is tell the truth. Trust the system. Your story is simple and credible. Any reasonable Judge would surely have to find you not guilty, and a police prosecutor may pull the whole thing anyway. Spend the absolute minimum you can. Expedite the whole process, and rip the bandaid off. Value the opportunity to get it to genuine well intentioned scrutiny as soon as possible.
Good luck you and a fair outcome.