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 Delaware, 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 be promptly informed of the charges against them, the right to a speedy and public trial, and the right to be tried by an impartial jury in the jurisdiction where the crime was committed. Delaware courts are bound by these constitutional provisions and have procedures in place to ensure these rights are upheld. Additionally, the accused has the right to confront and cross-examine witnesses against them, 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 enshrined in both federal law and the Delaware Constitution, ensuring that individuals facing criminal charges receive a fair trial.