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 New Mexico, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the rights of criminal defendants, including the right to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury. This means that anyone charged with a crime in New Mexico has the right to have their case heard without undue delay and in an open forum, ensuring transparency and fairness in the judicial process. The jury must be composed of individuals from the state and specific district where the crime occurred, as determined by law. Defendants must be informed of the charges and evidence against them, be able to confront and cross-examine witnesses, have the means to compel witnesses to testify on their behalf, and have access to an attorney to assist in their defense. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be provided at the state's expense. New Mexico state statutes and court rules provide further details on the implementation of these rights, including procedures for jury selection, trial timelines, and the appointment of public defenders.