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 Rhode Island, 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 and cross-examine witnesses against them. They also have the right to subpoena witnesses in their defense. Importantly, the Sixth Amendment ensures the right to have the assistance of an attorney for their defense. If the accused cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided for them at no cost. Rhode Island state statutes and court rules work in conjunction with federal law to ensure these rights are protected and that the criminal justice process is fair and just for all individuals accused of a crime.