Fatal timeline in Alec Baldwin 'Rust' shooting that led to actor's involuntary manslaughter charge

"Rust" star Alec Baldwin on set of western film (CourtTV)

Alec Baldwin appeared in court Wednesday, July 10, for opening statements and the first few witnesses to testify in his involuntary manslaughter trial.

The "Rust" star faces one count of involuntary manslaughter. If convicted, Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer could sentence the 66-year-old actor to prison for up to 18 months.

Baldwin's legal team fought to have the charge dismissed before the July 9 start date, but Sommer denied all three motions to dismiss the case.

Alex Spiro and Luke Nikas gave a handful of legal reasons why the case should be dropped, including a prejudiced grand jury, failure to allege a criminal offense and destruction of evidence. However, Sommer rejected each argument in a series of hearings.

Read more about the timeline of the fatal shooting aftermath that landed Baldwin in court.