Article II. Bill of Rights
Article II, Section 16. Criminal prosecutions - rights of defendant
Constitution of the State of Colorado
Official text
In criminal prosecutions the accused shall have the right to appear and defend in person and by counsel; to demand the nature and cause of the accusation; to meet the witnesses against him face to face; to have process to compel the attendance of witnesses in his behalf, and a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of the county or district in which the offense is alleged to have been committed.
Source: Entire article added, effective August 1, 1876, see L. 1877, p. 31.
Source: Colorado Revised Statutes 2024, Constitution (Colorado Office of Legislative Legal Services)
In plain English
In criminal cases the accused may appear and defend in person and with a lawyer, must be told the nature of the accusation, may meet the witnesses face to face, may compel favorable witnesses to attend, and is entitled to a speedy public trial by an impartial jury of the county or district where the offense allegedly happened.
Plain-English summary drafted by Christian Vote USA; editor review pending. Always read the official text above.
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Learn more
- Your Liberties Under Colorado Law (Your Rights and Duties in Colorado)
- Jury Duty in Colorado (Your Rights and Duties in Colorado)
- The Sixth Amendment: A Fair Criminal Trial (The Bill of Rights)
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