In cases that the court accepts a plea under the first offender act, the sentence is never signed by the Judge. Which means that your friend has...

What steps should be taken as far as trying to obtain probation, house arrest, or anything other than prison.

No bond and a prior record will require a very aggressive defense and I believe will require the assistance of a lawyer ASAP.

It will always show on your drivers history and never be removed. The only way it would not show on a background check is if you were not...