[jacquesm]

Even if it doesn't get you to see the president I'm pretty sure it will get you to see a judge.

Think of getting out of handcuffs as one layer of security removed. There are others, which will be challenges by themselves, but I can imagine that those would be easier to negotiate when your hands are free. You also no longer stand out as a criminal with your hands out of the cuffs. (unless you were a bright orange jumpsuit of course).