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 Vermont, 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 in the state and district where the crime was committed. Vermont law upholds these rights and provides additional details and procedures to ensure they are respected. For instance, Vermont's Rules of Criminal Procedure outline the process for ensuring a speedy trial, including time frames for when a trial must commence. The state also has provisions for the selection of an impartial jury, drawn from a cross-section of the community. Defendants in Vermont are entitled to be informed of the charges against them, to confront and cross-examine witnesses, to subpoena witnesses in their favor, and to have the assistance of an attorney. If a defendant cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court at no cost to the defendant, in accordance with the Public Defender Act and other relevant statutes. These rights are foundational to the criminal justice system and are rigorously protected by state and federal courts in Vermont.