A New Mexico grand jury has issued a new indictment against Hollywood actor Alec Baldwin, accusing him of involuntary manslaughter. The charge itself relates to a 2021 accidental shooting of a cinematographer on the set of a movie that was being filmed in western New Mexico. A new analysis of the gun used opened the way for prosecutors to reboot the case, after a previous indictment was dismissed last year. The indictment provides prosecutors with two separate paths to try an convict Mr. Baldwin, by alleging that he caused the death of the cinematographer either by negligence, or by “total disregard or indifference” for safety. Mr. Baldwin’s lawyers have pledged to fight the charge, and they have asked for a speedy trial. Under New Mexico law, the charge carries a potential 18 month prison sentence.
The Pressure to Plead Guilty in the College Admissions Case
For any defendant facing federal charges, the pressure to plead guilty is very strong. There are two main reasons for this: 1) the extreme financial burden of going to trial with a private lawyer; and 2) the long sentence that waits those who lose at trial. So when...
