Only way I can think of for him to get off here is to bribe the judge. Which, in NYC, is probably a real option.
Or, if he has some buddies in police departments outside the city...he could have them pull over the DA, Judge, arresting officers, etc for some trumped up moving violation and then plant drugs in their car.
Or close family members of the above. Fight fire with fire.
That is the worst advice I've ever heard. NYC does not work like that.... despite what you may think. You know what happens when you bribe a judge in NYC? You won't see him again. That ain't some small town corrupt police department **** here. And if he had the bankroll to be bribing judges in NYC, he wouldn't be in trouble right now.
He would more than likely be able to plead down if was anything but a gun related charge. NY is all about "taking bad guns from bad people"
I wish your friend all the luck, ****ty what is happening. Please, mg best advice is get the best lawyer you can. The $$ he will owe is far worth it when you don't walk around the rest of your life a felon.
Have him contact the Tresmond Law Firm. They are super pro 2A, and are very active in the firearms community. They should be able to help