Alec Baldwin Wants “Speedy Trial” Over ‘Rust’ Involuntary Manslaughter Charges; Court Appearance Set For Next Month
25.01.2024 - 03:15
/ deadline.com
Less than a week after being hit with involuntary manslaughter charges again over the fatal Rust on-set shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins in late 2021, Alec Baldwin’s first New Mexico court date has been set for next month.
Looking at 18 months to possibly three years behind bars based on state law, Baldwin actor has been “ordered to appear before Judge T. Glenn Ellington, on-February 1, 2024, at 11 am” local time (read the court summons to Alec Baldwin here).
Baldwin and his lawyers seem to be in lock step with the summons, if a filing Wednesday is any indication.
“Mr. Baldwin asserts his right to a speedy trial as guaranteed by the Sixth Amendment of the United States Constitution, Article 2, Section 14 of the New Mexico Constitution,” said Luke Nikas and Alex Spiro from the NYC office of Quinn Emanuel and Albuquerque lawyer Heather LeBlanc. “Mr. Baldwin is entitled to a fair and speedy disposition of the charges to minimize public vilification and suspicion and to avoid the hazards of proving his innocence that often arise after lengthy delays in prosecution.“
Read Alec Baldwin’s lawyers’ response to his court summons filing here.
“Mr. Baldwin reserves the right to call any and all witnesses disclosed by the prosecution on a witness list for trial or hearing in this matter,” the attorneys concluded, putting down a marker for special prosecutors Kerri Morrisey and Jason Lewis.
Baldwin isn’t required to be in the New Mexico courtroom in person February 1. As when the Rust star-producer was charged before, the actor can appear via phone or “video conference.” But he does have to show up in one form or another. Otherwise, “if you fail to appear at the time and place specified, a warrant will be issued for