Driving a friend's car with a suspended registration

[daverted]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? NY

Recently I was driving my self and a friend of mine home in his car since he was too tired to drive. While on the road, I was pulled over. Apparently the car's registration had been suspended because my friend failed to make an insurance payment. Now I'm stuck holding the bag charged with a misdemeanor and facing a fine and possible jail time. The sticker on the window was valid, so I couldn't have known about the registration problem unless my friend told me, and he didn't. Do I have a case to plead not guilty since I had no idea the car's registration was suspended since it wasn't even my car?

[The Occultist]

Unfortunately, you, as the driver, are ultimately responsible for ensuring that the vehicle being used is compliant with all relevant vehicle codes, which it apparently wasn't.

Step 1: Have your friend get his registration current RIGHT NOW.

Step 2: Go to court with proof that the vehicle is now in compliance with the law. It is possible that a) you will get a complete dismissal, b) you will get a reduced fine, or c) the court will offer no sympathy and will assess you the full fine. If A is your result, then good for you. If B or C, move on to...

Step 3: Tell your "friend" to cough up whatever money you had to shell out for a violation that occurred because he was [possibly more] irresponsible [than you].

[daverted]

Ok so how should I plead then?