Alec Baldwin no longer faces the possibility of five years in prison after prosecutors dropped some of the charges against him for his involvement in a deadly film — but he could still get a shorter sentence.
baldwin charged two counts of manslaughter Story about the passing of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in October 2021 on the set of the film Rusty.
Baldwin, 64, will be his made his first appearance in U.S. court on Friday.
The first charge Baldwin faces — manslaughter — requires evidence of underlying negligence.
The second charge — involuntary manslaughter while committing a lawful act — requires proof that the death was more than simple negligence but also included firearm augmentation, making the offense a mandatory five-year prison term.
The second charge has now been dropped, reducing the possible prison sentence Baldwin could face from a minimum of five years to a maximum of 18 months.
The actor and producer’s legal team has against enhancementcalling it unconstitutional because it only became law after the October 2021 shooting.
“To avoid further distraction from Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys in the proceedings, the District Attorney and Special Counsel have dropped the gun enhancements to the involuntary homicide charge in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the Rust film set,” spokeswoman Heather Brewer for the State of New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney, said in a statement.
A lawyer for Baldwin did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The second charge was also dropped against Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was in charge of the weapon at the scene. Her lawyers said they “approved” of the decision.
Alec Baldwin poses on set after the tragedy.Photo: Santa Fe Police
Baldwin’s legal battle
Baldwin’s case is notable because there is little or no precedent for Hollywood actors facing criminal charges for shooting on set.
This isn’t the first time Baldwin’s team has brought charges against him, first filing to disqualify the special counsel in the Rust case for what they called the politician’s “unconstitutional” role.
Last year, Andrea Reeb was brought in to help with the case and was elected to the New Mexico House of Representatives in November.
In a motion filed last week, BaldwinThe state’s lawyers argued that the state’s constitution prohibits Ms. Reeb from serving as both a prosecutor and a state legislator.
Baldwin’s attorney pledges to fight
Hutchins after prop gun hero dies Baldwin Discharged in October 2021 during western rehearsals.
Director Joel Souza was also injured in the incident at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Baldwin has denied responsibility. He has said he cocked the revolver but never pulled it, and it was the job of Gutierrez-Reed and other weapons experts to make sure it wasn’t loaded.
The FBI said the revolver was “functional” and would not fire until the trigger was pulled.
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Halyna Hutchins pictured at the French Artists Peace and Justice Party at the 70th Cannes Film Festival in 2017
Family sues Baldwin for battery and negligence
A separate civil action It was filed by Ms Hutchins’ family on Thursday.
The family is suing Baldwin and Rust Films, alleging battery, intentional emotional distress, negligence and financial loss.
A joint loss is a claim seeking to recover damages for certain interdependent relationships.