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 Arkansas, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution guarantees fundamental rights to individuals accused of crimes. This includes the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury in the state and district where the crime was committed. The state of Arkansas must ensure that the district is determined according to the law prior to the trial. The accused must be informed of the charges and the evidence against them, and they have the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses who testify against them. Additionally, they are entitled to subpoena witnesses in their defense and to have the assistance of an attorney. If an accused person cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to them at no cost. These rights are upheld in Arkansas courts and are consistent with the federal constitutional standards set forth by the Sixth Amendment.