Couple legal tips: cops don't shake hands. Matter of fact, staying out of their bubble entirely is always a good idea - let them invade yours instead if it comes to that. Reason being people occasionally take a cop's gun and use it against them.
Not volunteering additional information, making statements about your actions (even if caught red handed as you were) or making any noise at all in jail is also good. Statements on scene mean you pretty much have no chance to fight the charges. 'Course this works best if you are actually arrested, and have nothing to lose by minimum cooperation (no contraband to come up in a possible search, etc).
Other than the bust it sounds like a good ride, and you were doing your best to be safe. Empty gondolas rule. Thanks for sharing the story. It was daylight when you got popped, right? Timing can be a real bear...