Will Alec Baldwin Serve Jail Time for the 'Rust' Shooting? What to Know

Actor Alec Baldwin has been re-charged with involuntary manslaughter for his involvement in the fatal 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the New Mexico set of the western film Rust.

Alec has long denied pulling the trigger on the prop gun that led to Hutchins's death and director Joel Souza's injury. He has also claimed that he'd been told by assistant director David Halls that the gun had no live ammunition.

Does Alec Baldwin face jail time? What are his current charges? Keep reading for everything you need to know.

Yes, Alec Baldwin could face jail time.

Initially, two charges of involuntary manslaughter were dropped against him in April 2023 when prosecutors said that they'd found "new facts" that required further investigation. But it was noted that charges could potentially be refiled.

Then, in January 2024, it was announced that Alec was indeed being re-charged, after a New Mexico grand jury decided to indict the actor on one charge of involuntary manslaughter based on new evidence from special prosecutors.

A trial date has yet to be set.

So, what kind of jail time could Alec face?

Well, according to NBC News, because involuntary manslaughter is a fourth-degree felony, it is typically punishable by up to 18 months in prison and a $5,000 fine.

Alec previously also faced an added misdemeanor charge of the negligent use of a firearm, as well. This could have resulted in a mandatory five-year prison term. But in February 2023, the Santa Fe District Attorney's Office confirmed that they dropped the firearm charge "in order to avoid further litigious distractions by Mr. Baldwin and his attorney."

The film's armorer, Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, who was in charge of weapons on set, was charged in 2023 with two counts of involuntary manslaughter as well as tampering with evidence. (The same firearm charge that was previously dropped for Alec was also dropped for Hannah.)

The first assistant director David Halls, who was charged with negligent use of a deadly weapon, was sentenced in March 2023 to six months of unsupervised probation in a plea deal.

Hannah's attorney Jason Bowles previously suggested the charges against her were incorrect, saying in January 2023: "Hannah is, and has always been, very emotional and sad about this tragic accident. But she did not commit involuntary manslaughter."

"These charges are the result of a very flawed investigation, and an inaccurate understanding of the full facts. We intend to bring the full truth to light and believe Hannah will be exonerated of wrongdoing by a jury," he added.

Hannah's trial is expected to begin in February 2024.