What is Right To Counsel?

The right to counsel is a personal right to have an attorney present. The Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution requires that criminals have the "assistance of counsel" for anyone that is accused of a crime “in all criminal prosecutions”. This provides every person the right to have a criminal defense attorney during their trial. Not only will the accused person be allowed to have an attorney present, but if they cannot afford to hire an attorney, one will be appointed by the court to represent them during the trial.

 

Of course, anyone has the right to have an attorney, but in cases of criminal cases, the Sixth Amendment guarantees the person will have counsel present if they desire.

 

A criminal defense attorney will ensure the person understands the rights under the law, what they can expect through the various stages of the criminal process, research to ensure that the persons rights have not been violated, negotiate on the behalf of the person for a lesser charge or lower fines, will be there for the accused through the entire process, and will investigate, question witnesses, and present the case of the accused with the hopes of proving their innocence.