This is one that cries out for getting him a lawyer NOW!I have no idea what the real facts are or what proof the police have, and I doubt you do either, so it would be totally impossible to give any suggestions on how he should plead or what the alternatives are.I have no idea what the other friends might say either.Very often on a first offense a prosecutor may accept an ACD (automatic conditional discharge) or a reduction to a far lesser charge even if there is clear evidence of guilt and the evidence is admissible. Very often the evidence is not even admissible or is far less than clear or the prosecutor has many more important cases and little time to waste of small stuff. That takes local knowledge.A plea of guity or no contest or a conviction after trial is a permanent black mark on his record and can have lifelong consequences.The best chance to have charges dropped or reduced is now, and that requires an experienced criminal defense attorney. Go to www.AttorneyPages.com to find a top flight criminal defense lawyer, or if you are flat broke get him a public defender. This is far too important for an off the cuff response.