The 'assistance of counsel' right under the 6th Amendment is established when what occurs?

The 'assistance of counsel' right under the 6th Amendment is established when formal charges are brought against an individual, which occurs when a criminal complaint or warrant is issued within the court. This is a critical moment in the legal process because it signals that the state has initiated a prosecution against a person, thereby invoking their rights to legal representation. The right to counsel is fundamental to ensuring a fair trial, as it allows defendants to have legal assistance during critical stages of the judicial proceedings.

While each of the other options relates to different aspects of the judicial process, they do not specifically establish the right to counsel. An arrest without a warrant could lead to charges, but it does not itself trigger the right to counsel. Similarly, a plea deal or a guilty verdict occurs at different points in the legal proceedings and does not directly pertain to the establishment of the right to counsel. The emphasis on formal charging as a prerequisite for this right reflects the importance of legal representation in protecting an individual's rights throughout the trial process.