Justin Bieber’s High-speed Car Chase Results in Photographer Facing Criminal Charges in California's Attempt to Control Paparazzi

Photographer Paul Raef is the first person charged under a 2010 California law in an attempt to keep the paparazzi from causing dangers to others. The charges are linked to the July 6 incident when Raef dangerously pursued pop singer Justin Bieber in a high-speed chase, and now he may face up to a year in county jail and $3,500 in fines.

The criminal charges against Raef include reckless driving with the intent to capture pictures for commercial gain, reckless driving, failure to obey a peace officer, and following another vehicle too closely.

During his pursuit of the Biebs, Raef drove over 80 miles per hour, hopped onto the shoulder multiple times, and cut people off when changing lanes. Los Angeles City Councilman Dennis Zine and three other drivers called 911 to report the reckless driving. When police arrived Raef and Bieber were both directed to pull over, but only Bieber obeyed. Less than an hour later Bieber put in a call to 911 saying he was being pursued again, and Raef's SUV was eventually found in a paparazzi-swarmed L.A. parking garage.

Although Raef was the one to cause all the highway law-breaking, Biebs wasn't let off the hook either. He got a ticket for driving over 80 mph in a 65 mph zone and driving recklessly.

Let's see if fellow Californian paparazzo learn from Raef's mistake, or do too many deem that the pictures worth the chase?