Friend faces 2 felonies after a plea bargain resulting from meeting up with a minor girl who lied about being 18+ online. Isn't this excessive?

My friend (24) met with a minor (14) after having sexually explicit conversations with her online. The user agreement on the website requires that users be 18+. She never said that she wasn't 18, and didn't appear to be underage. Upon meeting, they smoked marijuana (provided by the girl, an avid user), and talked. They kissed on the cheek. About 2 weeks later, the girl asked to meet again, & he went to her home. Police stopped him, asking where he was headed. He has never been in trouble with authorities, so said that he was meeting with a friend & pointed to the house. He also had a small amount of marijuana with him. He was arrested and placed in county jail until released on bail. His lawyer claims to be friends with the DA/prosecutor involved, and insists the best they can do is drop charges to 2 felonies. Lawyer is assuring that he won't be on any sex offender lists. Sentencing is end of Jan. What about PBJ? He is former Marine, homeowner, etc. Can a different lawyer help?