Naturalization

[K@tmandu]

I have several questions about naturalization. If anyone has been in the same boat pls help.
My best friend moved here in 1998 got married to US citizen got a work permit.
Got green card in 2002
Renewed green card in 2013
But in 2009 he had misdeamenor b in Texas for theft and received deferred adjudication for 9 months and paid fine.

Can he apply for citizenship now? oh on his court disposition they misspelled his last name.
but he never uses that spelling is that going to be an issue?

Third, he worked at various places and for a short time even worked for himself but it did not work out so he went and found a job.
He was laid off once. Does immigration ask for proof of employment and reasons for different jobs etc? He is a mechanic.

What kind of info does INS have on the immigrant? Social life, work history what?

Please share. Thank you.

[inadmissible]

Since his theft sentence is for less than a year, it is not a permanent bar. Since it occurred outside the 5 year period of evaluation, it isn't a temporary bar. He can apply for naturalization. His work history is not relevant. He will have to disclose it in detail, but they won't care if he has been in and out of work - as long as none of his work is criminal in nature

[K@tmandu]

Thank you. So he does not need a lawyer? Every site we have gone to says if you have ever been arrested you need a lawyer and oh boy they are expensive.
One even said he will charge X dollars to go to the interview. The lawyer is not supposed to speak for the applicant so what would a lawyer do during interview?