The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that a person accused of a crime has the right to the assistance of counsel, 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 to the United States Constitution guarantees the rights of 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 accused must be informed of the charges and have the opportunity to confront witnesses against them. They also have the right to obtain witnesses in their favor through compulsory process. Importantly, the Sixth Amendment ensures the right to have the assistance of an attorney for their defense. Delaware state statutes and court rules provide the framework for how these rights are implemented, including the procedures for jury selection, the timing of trials, and the appointment of counsel for those who cannot afford an attorney. The Delaware Public Defender's Office is tasked with providing legal representation to indigent defendants in criminal cases, ensuring that the constitutional right to counsel is upheld.