In this June 11, 2012 file photo, pop star Justin Bieber poses for photos prior to a press conference at a hotel in Mexico City. A Los Angeles judge ruled Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, that an anti-paparazzi law is overly broad and dismissed those charges against a photographer accused of recklessly chasing Justin Bieber. (AP Photo/Alexandre Meneghini, File)
Freelance photographer Paul Raef was the first person charged under a new California law targeting reckless driving by paparazzi seeking shots of celebrities.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Thomas Rubinson dismissed the charge Wednesday after hearing arguments from an attorney for Raef.
Rubinson said the law is overly broad and he cited numerous problems with its construction. Raef’s attorneys argued the law was unconstitutional.
The photographer still faces more traditional counts for reckless driving and for following other cars too closely.
Prosecutors allege he chased Bieber at more than 80 mph and forced other motorists to avoid collisions while Raef tried to get shots of the teen heartthrob.
Raef has not yet entered a plea in the case.
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