How long is the Alec Baldwin trial expected to last?

The trial of actor Alec Baldwin for the involuntary manslaughter of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set of ‘Rust’ will begin today, Tuesday July 9, in New Mexico and is expected to last for around nine to 10 days.

Hutchins, who was named a “rising star” by American Cinematographer magazine in 2019, lost her life on October 21, 2021 as filming took place in Santa Fe.

The cinematographer was tragically killed after Baldwin accidentally fired a prop gun, which he says he was told was empty but was actually loaded with live ammunition. The shot which hit Hutchins, who was behind the camera supervising the take, also injured the film’s director, Joel Souza.

The pair were both taken by helicopter to the University of New Mexico Hospital, where Hutchins was declared dead and Souza was treated before being released hours later.

What has Baldwin been charged with?

Baldwin was initially formally accused of involuntary manslaughter in January 2023 before charges against the actor were dropped in April of that same year. However, the 66-year-old was then changed for a second time after New Mexico prosecutors announced last October they planned to present their case to a Santa Fe grand jury to determine whether there was probable cause to take action against Baldwin.

The actor’s legal team appealed against the second round of charges but the petition was denied on June 28. As a result, Baldwin will now be put on trial for a main charge of felony involuntary manslaughter. A verdict could be reached in nine to 10 days, although jurors can deliberate as long as they need once they get the case.

What punishment is Baldwin facing? Could he go to prison?

If Baldwin is unanimously convicted by the jury, he could face 18 months in prison. ‘Rust’ weapons supervisor Hannah Gutierrez-Reed received that same conviction in April this year for her role in allowing live bullets to be on set.