Citizenship with Criminal History

[immihelp]

Hello:

I want to become an US citizen now in 2009, but I'm not sure how I should do this given the fact that I was convicted of petty-theft in 1997. I wasn't arrested but I was on probation for 3 years.

My question is:

1-Will this be a problem for my citizenship?
2-Should I hire a lawyer to represent me?
3-What should I do first?

Thanks!

[immihelp]

1. Shouldn't be.
2. Not needed.
3. Read https://www.immihelp.com/usa-citizenship-through-naturalization/