What does the case gideon v. Wainwright guarantee?

The case Gideon v. Wainwright (1963) guarantees the right to counsel for defendants in criminal cases who cannot afford an attorney. The Supreme Court ruled that the Sixth Amendment's guarantee of legal representation is applicable to state courts through the Fourteenth Amendment's Due Process Clause. This landmark decision ensures that the right to a fair trial is upheld, regardless of a defendant's financial situation. As a result, states are required to provide public defenders or legal assistance to those in need.