Baldwin Enters Plea, but Judge Sets Restrictions on Release He May Not Like

AP Photo/John Minchillo

Actor Alec Baldwin formally entered his plea on Thursday to the charges in the shooting death of Halyna Hutchins. He pled not guilty to involuntary manslaughter charges.

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The judge also set conditions for Baldwin’s release. The judge said he could only have limited contact with witnesses as was necessary to finish filming the movie Rust or related business regarding the film. But, Baldwin was not allowed to discuss the shooting incident with any of the witnesses. That’s to prevent him from potentially preparing, colluding with, or threatening the witnesses.

Baldwin was also prohibited from consuming alcohol and possessing any weapons, including firearms. That could turn out to be a problem for him, if he then is seen consuming alcohol.

The next hearing would be to determine if there is enough evidence to go to trial. That’s where the prosecutor will set forth some of the elements of the case to show they have enough to proceed.

Baldwin’s attorney Luke Nikas called the charges a “terrible miscarriage of justice.” They are blaming other people involved in the handling of the gun, saying Baldwin had “no reason to believe that there was a live bullet in the gun.” He said Baldwin relied on the other people dealing with the gun.

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However, the prosecution says that Baldwin had an obligation to check the gun and that, as a producer, he knew of the safety issues on the set.

Baldwin faces up to 18 months in prison if he is found guilty. He had faced a longer possible sentence with a firearm enhancement possibility of five years in prison, but that enhancement was dropped. Production of the movie is planned to continue in the spring. That might be delayed if Baldwin is found guilty.

Baldwin is also still facing a lawsuit by Halyna Hutchins’ family. Her husband settled with Baldwin, but other members of her family are now suing him for her loss.

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