My question involves criminal law for the state of: New Jersey


Three friends and I were recently found, arrested, and charged for possession of marijuana. However, three of us were unaware of the marijuana in the car yet we were still charged equally. If my one friend who was aware of the marijuana admitted before the court date and asked for PTI/CD would they accept and drop the charges on us?

If the above condition is met, what is the best case scenario for the friend that admitted that everything was his?
Should he simply plead for a CD/PTI program?
Should we ask for a public attorney, tell him our story, and allow him to deal with the problem stated above? Or would it be better for my friend to simply arrive and ask for the programs?