Appeals judges: Anti-paparazzi law appears legal in case against photographer

Photographer charged after chasing Justin Bieber

Justin Bieber ($55 million)

10. Justin Bieber - $55 million (tie)
(Photo courtesy: Chris McKay/Getty Images for Jingle Ball 2012)
Copyright Getty Images

Posted: 02/01/2013
Last Updated: 110 days ago

LOS ANGELES - An appeals panel says California's anti-paparazzi statute appears to be constitutional based on a brief filed by prosecutors.

A preliminary statement by three judges in Los Angeles requires a judge who dismissed charges aimed at a paparazzo who authorities say was driving recklessly to review his order. The judge may stick to his ruling, which would trigger a full appeal, or he could schedule further arguments on the case against freelance photographer Paul Raef.

Raef was the first person charged under the new law after a high-speed chase involving Justin Bieber last year.

Superior Court Judge Thomas Rubinson dismissed two charges in November, ruling the law is too broad and is unconstitutional.

Raef's attorney David S. Kestenbaum says he is asking Rubinson to stand by his ruling and allow a full appeal.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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