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 Wyoming, as in all states, the Sixth Amendment of 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 Wyoming ensures that these federal constitutional protections are upheld in its courts. Additionally, Wyoming statutes provide further details on the implementation of these rights, including the selection and composition of juries, the procedures for a speedy trial, and the process for securing witnesses. The Wyoming Rules of Criminal Procedure also outline the rights of the accused to be informed of the charges against them, to confront witnesses, and to have an attorney for their defense. If an accused cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed by the court, in accordance with the Public Defender Act, Wyoming Statutes Annotated § 7-6-101 to § 7-6-110.