A photographer allegedly involved in a high-speed chase of Justin Bieber has become the first to fall foul of California's new paparazzi law.
A photographer caught up in a high-speed car chase with Justin Bieber could face up to a year in prison (Picture: Getty)
Paul Raef, 30, faces prison and up to £2,230 in fines if convicted of the reckless pursuit of the 18-year-old through LA on July 6.
The charges include reckless driving with the intent to capture pictures for commercial gain, reckless driving, failure to obey an officer and following another vehicle too closely.
However, Douglas Mirell, a leading First Amendment lawyer, has argued that the new law, which has not been used before, penalises the press more so than an ordinary member of the publilc.
Mr Mirell said: 'A fan doing the same thing, trying to get a glimpse of Bieber or taking a photo for their personal photo album might be engaged in the same egregious conduct.
'But it would fall outside the statute because they were not doing it for a commercial purpose.'
Mr Raef is expected in court on 9 August. Bieber escaped the incident with a speeding ticket.
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