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Anti-Paparazzi Charges Reinstated in Justin Bieber Case

Photographer penalized for chasing pop star on L.A. freeway.

Aggressive driving charges have been reinstated against a paparazzo who chased Justin Bieber on a freeway two years ago, a California appellate court decided Friday (Sept. 19). A three-judge panel ruled to go forward with a pair of charges against photog Paul Raef for pursuing Bieber at speeds of up to 80 mph. 

Raef, who is also facing one count of reckless driving, becomes the first photographer to face charges under the 2010 anti-paparazzi law, which was partly spearheaded by an incident involving Jennifer Aniston

The law is punishable by up to six months in jail and a $2,500 fine. It was set in place to discourage aggressive pap pursuits from behavior that could result in physical danger and fatalities. A photographer died trying to get a shot of Beiber last January.

The revived charges against Raef had been thrown out in November 2012, leaving the case in limbo for two years. It is not known if he has entered a plea. 

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(Photo: Joel Ryan/Invision/AP, file)

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