The Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution provides that a person accused of a crime has the right to a speedy and public trial, 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 North Carolina, 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 state of North Carolina ensures that these federal constitutional protections are upheld in its courts. Additionally, North Carolina's state statutes and rules of criminal procedure provide specific guidelines on how these rights are to be implemented, such as defining what constitutes a 'speedy' trial and the process for selecting an impartial jury. The accused must be informed of the charges against them, have the opportunity to confront and cross-examine witnesses, and have the means to secure witnesses in their favor. Furthermore, the right to counsel is a critical aspect of the Sixth Amendment, and North Carolina provides for the appointment of an attorney for those who cannot afford one, typically through the public defender's office or court-appointed attorneys.