Following an arrest, the most important step you can take is to secure a good criminal defense lawyer. If you've never had to hire a lawyer before, you might feel overwhelmed with this process. According to Zippia, at least 566 criminal defense attorneys are practicing in the U.S. today. All lawyers aren't the same, though. Here are five characteristics of a good attorney that you should look for.

1. Knowledgeable

You want a legal professional who understands criminal law in your area inside and out, as it's different from state to state. They should be able to use this knowledge to help you get the best possible outcome for your case. An excellent lawyer will also be able to answer all your questions so you understand every step of the legal process.

2. Good Communicator

When it comes to legal matters, communication skills are critical. Even small mistakes or misunderstandings in communication could be disastrous for your case. During your first consultation with a lawyer, you should be able to tell whether they're skilled in this area.

3. Prepared

You should do some research on the criminal defense lawyer you're considering to see if they have a track record of success. The level of preparation that an attorney puts into a case will have a huge impact on their success rate. Read reviews and talk to people who have hired this particular lawyer in the past.

4. Detail-Oriented

Lawyers must have acute attention to detail. There are always small details in a case that could make a huge difference. You need an attorney who will pick up on these details and use them to your advantage. Being detail-oriented also means your attorney shows up on time and never misses an important meeting!

5. Excellent Public Speaker

A great criminal defense lawyer will have strong public speaking skills. This is one of the main ways that they will advocate for you during your case. It's their job to be persuasive and bring your side of the story to the court in a way that is convincing.

Now that you know what traits to look for, you're better prepared to find a criminal defense lawyer. If you're facing criminal charges, turn to our team at Dulaney & Sumner, PLLC today. We bring over 40 years of combined experience to the table and offer free case reviews. Contact us today to get started.