ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — A New Mexico judge on Wednesday rejected a request by actor Alec Baldwin’s attorneys to dismiss a civil lawsuit by three crew members on the Western film “Rust” who say cost-cutting endangered the cast and crew as the actor-producer skipped his own safety training.

Chief District Judge Bryan Biedscheid also declined to delay proceedings, The Associated Press reported. Baldwin’s legal team had argued that since prosecutors have yet to decide whether to refile criminal charges against Baldwin over the fatal on-set shooting of a cinematographer, failure to delay could put their client at risk of self-incrimination.

Attorney Robert Schwartz told the judge there would be nothing to prevent prosecutors from using evidence gleaned from discovery in the civil case against Baldwin in the criminal case, if charges are refiled.

Previously

Alec Baldwin’s manslaughter charges to be dismissed in ‘Rust’ shooting

Alec Baldwin facing involuntary manslaughter charges for killing cinematographer on ‘Rust’ movie set

As an example, he pointed to any interpretation of Baldwin’s production contract and what authority he had over decision-making.

Schwartz said the court is putting Baldwin in an “unfortunate position.”

The civil suit and potential charges stem from the death of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins, who was shot and killed Oct. 21, 2021, during the filming of “Rust” at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in New Mexico.

Baldwin was rehearsing for a scene with the pistol when the gun went off, according to NBC News.

Director Joel Souza was also wounded.

An involuntary manslaughter charge against Baldwin was dismissed in April, with prosecutors citing new evidence and the need for more time to investigate.