first what a bitch.
now when he goes to his arrainment trial the judge will tell him what the charges are he will face. and what the MAX penalty is for said charges.
if that penalty carries a mandatory min. then he should plead not guilty and get a lawyer.
i would plead not guilty any way. that way i can at least get a sit down with the DA. when you get that you can work out your own plea bargin. for instance you can offer to change your plea if you can stay outa jail. many times theyll accept the plea just to get the trial over and done with.
also this sounds as if he is under 18. if so, show that he is a good student , goes too school , plays sports , what ever. they are much less likly to throw a kid in jail that is a good kid that just made a mistake.
but bein in ohio (im from yellow springs ohio) i wouldnt worry about it to much. i got busted at 14 for possesion with intent to distribute. i got fined. no probation no jail just a slap on the wrist. and that as in 84 when the whole country was "just say no" crazy. ive been busted in ohio 5 times now and never done any time or been on probation. if your gonna get busted ohio is one of the better places for it to happen.
i live in LA now and 3rd possesion is 20yrs regardless of amount
also tell him not to pay attenton to what other people tell him. ask a lawyer. most people dont know what theyre talkin about and its always my buddies cousins best freinds roommate that it appened too.