If your friend wishes to beat it, he has 2 things to do.
1) Take a defense driving course before court date. This does not guarantee that the judge will be any more lienient, but it cannot hurt. If nothing else, it will take 7 pts off his record.
2) Get a lawyer IF he wishes to keep his license. A jugde does not have to accept a NOLO plea. If he does not accept your friend's plea, then it will be his word against the cop's. Think about this, the judge works with the cop and the solicitor every day. Who do you think that he will side with? A lawyer is his best option.