Alec Baldwin’s 'Rust' Shooting Charges Are Downgraded

Alec Baldwin’s 'Rust' Shooting , Charges Are Downgraded.

'The Guardian' reports that prosecutors in New Mexico have dropped charges against Baldwin that could have resulted in a five-year prison sentence.

The actor still faces one count of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

The actor still faces one count of involuntary manslaughter in the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins.

If convicted, that charge carries a maximum prison sentence of 18 months.

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The charges were lessened after Baldwin's attorneys said that the firearms enhancement claim was unconstitutional since it wasn't in effect when the shooting occurred.

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The prosecutors committed a basic legal error.

, Luke Nikas, one of Baldwin’s attorneys, via court papers.

The New Mexico prosecutors also issued a statement.

In order to avoid further litigious distractions by Mr. Baldwin and his attorneys, [prosecutors] have removed the firearm enhancement to the involuntary manslaughter charges in the death of Halyna Hutchins on the 'Rust' film set, Prosecutors, via statement.

The prosecution’s priority is securing justice, not securing billable hours for big-city attorneys, Prosecutors, via statement.

'The Guardian' reports that Baldwin's legal team is also opposing the appointment of Andrea Reeb as a special prosecutor.

'The Guardian' reports that Baldwin's legal team is also opposing the appointment of Andrea Reeb as a special prosecutor.

They argue that she does not have prosecutorial authority since she is a state lawmaker