"My friend got a traffic ticket(stop sign violation) in nc and wants to know what he can do."
*** He can:
1) Plead guilty and pay the fine, or
2) Plead innocent and present his defense to the court. The court will then set his fine (of course, he is guilty!). He can then pay his fine and go forth.
"This was his first ever traffic ticket violation."
*** So, one strike so far.
"Is there anything he can do to get the fines and court costs reduced?"
*** Not without at least contacting the court. He might ask if they offer a defensive driving waiver (most courts do).
"Will this make his insurance go up if its his first ever violation?"
*** Not if he takes the defensive driving option.
Go to:
http://www.safetync.org/ddc/DDCviolators.htm