An ASRS report will protect him, if his actions weren't intentional and weren't criminal in nature (not enough information provided yet), and he hasn't attempted to use one for protection in recent times. It will not protect him from a violation, however; it only protects him from the penalty thereof. If he is issued a violation for unauthorized entry into restricted airspace and given a suspension of his pilot certificate, the timely filing of the ASRS report will protect him from having his certificate taken. His record will still show a suspension, however, and a violation for the airspace entry.

One should be careful in completing the ASRS report, however, as the FAA cannot use what's contained in the body of the report, but may use anything else associated with the report. The title strip, which is returned to the applicant, for example. If the applicant makes a confession in the title line of the strip ("Restricted Airspace Violation 10/15/14" for example), the title may be used against the pilot. Most who submit these forms are not aware that material outside the body of the report may be used against them, and may place themselves in jeopardy.

Again, consult with an attorney. It bears repeating.

Consult with an attorney.