Alec Baldwin No Longer Facing Five-Year Minimum Jail Sentence As Prosecutors Downgrade Charges In ‘Rust’ Involuntary Manslaughter Case

Jake Adler (Alec Baldwin) has a heated late night conversation with ex-wife Jane Adler (Meryl Streep) in It's Complicated (2009), Universal Pictures

Over one year after Alec Baldwin fired a gun on the set of Rust and killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins and injuring director Joel Souza, the Hollywood actor was formally charged with involuntary manslaughter on the 31st of January.

Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) is surprised to find himself in possession of a gun in 30 Rock Season 3 Episode 3 "The One with the Cast of Night Court" (2008), NBC

Jack Donaghy (Alec Baldwin) is surprised to find himself in possession of a gun in 30 Rock Season 3 Episode 3 “The One with the Cast of Night Court” (2008), NBC

RELATED: Alec Baldwin Formally Charged With Involuntary Manslaughter For The Killing Of ‘Rust’ Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins

The case has since taken a favourable turn for the disgraced actor, as Santa Fe District Attorney’s office announced Monday that they would be downgrading the charges both Baldwin and Rust armourer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed are currently facing.

Previously, as per New Mexico criminal sentencing statute 31-18-16, Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed were facing a gun minimum of five years in prison for discharging a firearm “in the commission of a noncapital felony”.

Alec Baldwin does impression of former president Donald Trump | “In Conversation: Alec Baldwin Beyond the Screen” via Chicago Ideas, YouTube

However, as noted by Baldwin’s lawyers in a motion filed on February the 10th, this version of the statute did not take effect until the 18th of May, 2022 – seven months after the tragic shooting.

Thus, they argued, Baldwin should have been charged under the version of the sentencing guidelines that were in effect at the time of the incident, which recommended a minimum jail time of three years rather than five.

“The prosecutors in this case have committed an unconstitutional and elementary legal error by charging Mr. Baldwin under a statute that did not exist on the date of the accident,” asserted the actor’s attorney’s.

Chris Cuomo interviews Alec Baldwin via Alec Baldwin, FBI Mar-a-Lago Search, The Chris Cuomo Project, YouTube

Chris Cuomo interviews Alec Baldwin via Alec Baldwin, FBI Mar-a-Lago Search, The Chris Cuomo Project, YouTube

RELATED: ‘Man Of Steel’ Actor Michael Shannon Weighs In On The Killing Of Halyna Hutchins, Places Blame On Armorer And The Film’s Low Budget, Doesn’t Condemn Alec Baldwin

Responding to the motion filed by Baldwin’s legal team, New Mexico First Judicial District Attorney spokesperson Heather Brewer told the media, “Another day, another motion from Alec Baldwin and his attorneys in an attempt to distract from the gross negligence and complete disregard for safety on the ‘Rust’ film set that led to Halyna Hutchins’ death.”

“The District Attorney and the special prosecutor will review all motions–even those given to the media before being served to the DA,” she concluded.

Father Hector McGrath (Alec Baldwin) checks the chamber via Pixie (2021), Paramount Pictures

However, despite her office’s protests, New Mexico DA Mary Carmack-Altwies ultimately sided with Baldwin’s attorneys and dropped the gun enchancement charges against both Baldwin and Gutierrez-Reed.

Gutierrez-Reed’s attorney Jason Bowles issued a statement praising Carmack-Altwies’ decision to downgrade the charges, declaring, “We applaud the decision of the district attorney to dismiss the firearm enhancement and it was the right call, ethically, and on the merits.”

While the firearm enhancement charge was downgraded, this doesn’t let neither the actor nor the armourer off the hook. Both Gutierrez-Reed and Baldwin, who was also charged as a producer of the film, could still face up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $5000.

Alec Baldwin speaks with Santa Fe Police About the Rust Shooting Incident via Law&Crime Network

Alec Baldwin speaks with Santa Fe Police About the Rust Shooting Incident via Law&Crime Network

RELATED: Alec Baldwin “Seeks To Clear His Name,” Files Lawsuit Accusing ‘Rust’ Crew Members Of Being Responsible For On-Set Shooting

This particular course of action taken by Baldwin’s legal team came just days after the actor sought to dismiss special prosecutor in his involuntary manslaughter case, Andrea Reeb on the grounds that her right-leaning political affiliation could seemingly influence her prosectuorial conduct.

“Under Section 1 of Article III of the New Mexico Constitution, a sitting member of the Legislature may not ‘exercise any powers properly belonging’ to either the executive or judicial branch,” read the relevant motion filed by Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas

Alan Hunley (Alec Baldwin) considers the IMF's next move via Mission: Impossible - Fallout (2018), Paramount Pictures

Alan Hunley (Alec Baldwin) considers the IMF’s next move via Mission: Impossible – Fallout (2018), Paramount Pictures

A prosecutor who also serves as a legislator could face pressure to make prosecutorial decisions that serve her legislative interests, such as by prosecuting a prominent defendant associated with an opposing faction within the Legislature even in the face of conflicting evidence or law,” the motion added. “And even if she does not allow her legislative interests to influence her prosecutorial choices, the perception of bias could diminish public confidence in the fairness of the criminal process.”

Alec Baldwin reflects on his career via In Conversation with... Alec Baldwin, TIFF, YouTube

Alec Baldwin reflects on his career via In Conversation with… Alec Baldwin, TIFF, YouTube

NEXT: Alec Baldwin Seeks To Dismiss ‘Rust’ Shooting Prosecutor, Claims Her Being A Republican Will Lead To Unfair Trial

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