Judge denies Alec Baldwin request to drop Rust manslaughter case

Attorneys for Mr Baldwin filed to dismiss the case earlier this month, accusing prosecutors of “unethical disparagement” and of “violating nearly every rule in the book” to secure a grand jury indictment against the actor.

At a virtual hearing on 17 May, Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas made their case before New Mexico District Court Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer.

“This is a case involving an accident at the very outskirts of criminal law,” Mr Spiro said.

He noted that the charges had previously been dropped before special prosecutors for the state brought them back, claiming they wanted to “humble” Mr Baldwin.

In a Friday evening decision, Judge Sommer denied the request, dismissing the arguments that the grand jury process was prejudiced against the actor.

In a statement, Mr Baldwin’s lawyers said: “We look forward to our day in court.”