Alec Baldwin is set to stand trial in July for the involuntary manslaughter of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust." His legal team has filed a motion to dismiss the charges, alleging misconduct by the prosecution.
Emmy-winning actor Alec Baldwin is set to face a jury in July for his involuntary manslaughter trial stemming from the 2021 shooting death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of the film "Rust." However, his legal team has filed a motion seeking to dismiss the charges, alleging prosecutorial misconduct and a violation of discovery obligations.
In a motion filed on Monday, Baldwin's legal team argued that the state violated its discovery obligations by failing to disclose "critical evidence" deemed favorable to Baldwin's defense. They claim that this undisclosed evidence "fundamentally reshapes" the way Baldwin would have prepared for trial.
Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Amid Accusations of Ambush Tactics
"The State's strategy — trial by ambush — is grossly prejudicial and abhorred by courts," the motion stated.
Baldwin's team alleges that the state made most of its late disclosures after the dispositive motion and witness deadline, demonstrating the extent of the actor's prejudice. They argue that the sudden influx of undisclosed materials has forced Baldwin to divert substantial time and resources to review the evidence and prepare for trial.
Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Amid Accusations of Ambush Tactics
The motion requests an order dismissing the indictment with prejudice, arguing that the state's misconduct has deprived Baldwin of his fundamental rights and warrants such a remedy.
"Baldwin deserves to be treated just like any other criminal defendant, and both federal and state law point in one direction: dismissal," the motion stated.
Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Amid Accusations of Ambush Tactics
Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer previously denied Baldwin's request for dismissal during a hearing on Friday. Baldwin's legal team argued that the prosecution failed to show that the actor even committed a crime, pointing out the prosecution's admission that the presence of live ammunition on the "Rust" set was "incomprehensible."
However, Sommer rejected the argument, finding that there was probable cause to believe that Baldwin committed the crimes charged.
Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Amid Accusations of Ambush Tactics
Baldwin is not the only crew member of "Rust" to face criminal charges. In March, Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the film's armorer, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the shooting. However, she was acquitted of a separate charge of evidence tampering.
Baldwin is expected to appear in court next month for the start of his nearly two-week trial. If convicted, he could face up to 18 months in prison.
Alec Baldwin Faces Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Amid Accusations of Ambush Tactics
In addition to the trial, Baldwin recently announced that his family will be starring in a reality television show on TLC. The show, tentatively titled "The Baldwins," is set to premiere in 2025 and will follow the family's life with their seven children under the age of 10.
Baldwin and his wife, Hilaria, have been married for 12 years and live in Manhattan. They recently listed their Hamptons estate for $18 million after Baldwin was indicted on involuntary manslaughter charges.
