The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that a person accused of a crime has the right to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation, and states that:

“In all criminal prosecutions, the accused shall enjoy the right to a speedy and public trial, by an impartial jury of the state and district wherein the crime shall have been committed, which district shall have been previously ascertained by law, and to be informed of the nature and cause of the accusation; to be confronted with the witnesses against him; to have compulsory process for obtaining witnesses in his favor, and to have the assistance of counsel for his defense.”

In Alabama, the Sixth Amendment rights are upheld and integrated into the state's legal procedures. This means that anyone accused of a crime in Alabama is entitled to be promptly informed of the charges against them. They have the right to a speedy and public trial, which must be conducted by an impartial jury that is representative of the community from the specific area where the crime occurred. The jury selection process is designed to ensure impartiality and is governed by both state statutes and court rules. Additionally, the accused has the right to confront and cross-examine all witnesses testifying against them, to subpoena witnesses in their defense, and to have an attorney to assist in their defense. If the accused cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to them at no cost. These rights are protected under both the United States Constitution and the Alabama Constitution, and they are fundamental to the state's criminal justice system.