A letter to the judge will be ignored. .........

No. You have your lawyer prove that the statements are false.

You should not plead guilty. You should hire an attorney.

Telling the kids will have an adverse impact on them and your custody agreement.

This can't be a serious question. No, you can't....

Yes it is binding, as per the prior answers to your question.

Presumably they will fix your car and you will be on your way.........

I don't see grounds for a lawsuit but a complaint to the state might be in order.

The restitution didn't just disappear because you didn't pay it.............

That's not a very good defense...........................