Lawyers for Alec Baldwin ripped New Mexico prosecutors this week for committing a legal gaffe in their manslaughter case against the embattled actor.
Sante Fe District Attorney Mary Carmack-Altwies was compelled to drop a legal enhancement against Baldwin because the fatal incident occurred six months before the related law took effect.
Baldwin, 64, faces two counts of involuntary manslaughter in the shooting death of “Rust” cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, 42, in October 2021.
Prosecutors initially tacked on what is known as a firearm enhancement, which extends the prison sentences of certain crimes committed with guns.
‘RUST’ ASSISTANT DIRECTOR MAY TESTIFY AGAINST ALEC BALDWIN IN UPCOMING HEARING: COURT PAPERS
However, they committed a “basic legal error” in applying the law retroactively, Baldwin’s lawyers wrote.
With the enhancement, the “30 Rock” star would have faced a mandatory minimum of five years – and now faces a far less imposing maximum term of 18 months.
The defense’s initial motion to yank the enhancement presented “clearly correct” legal arguments that demanded careful consideration by the prosecution, the attorneys wrote.
“Instead, a spokesperson for the government immediately issued an extraordinary statement to the media characterizing the motion as an ‘attempt to distract’ from the case by Mr. Baldwin’s ‘fancy lawyers,’” the letter states.
ALEC BALDWIN’S INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER CHARGES: DA REVEALS WITNESS LIST IN FATAL ‘RUST’ SHOOTING
H/T Fox News (read more at FoxNews.com)
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