Prosecutors fight anti-paparazzi charges dismissal

[December 13, 2012]  LOS ANGELES (AP) -- Prosecutors are appealing the dismissal of anti-paparazzi driving charges that had been filed against a photographer accused of recklessly chasing Justin Bieber in California.

The appeal filed Wednesday argues that a criminal court judge erred last month when he dismissed two counts filed under California's 2010 anti-paparazzi law against Paul Raef, a freelance photographer.

Superior Court Judge Thomas Rubinson ruled the statute was overly broad and violated the First Amendment.

The appeal claims the ruling could set a precedent that news gatherers can engage in reckless driving without facing stiff penalties.

The law targeted those found guilty of unsafe driving in pursuit of a photo for commercial use.

Raef still faces traditional reckless driving charges for the July chase involving Bieber on a freeway.

[Associated Press; By ANTHONY McCARTNEY]

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