Aggressive Paparazzi Could Face Jail Time in California
A bill that would make it illegal for paparazzi to break traffic laws or interfere with the operation of a celebrity’s car while trying to obtain photographs has passed the California Assembly, according to MSNBC. The bill previously passed the Assembly, was revised by the Senate, and the modified version was passed by the Assembly again.
Under the bill, paparazzi could face jail time of up to a year and a $5,000 fine. The bill is headed to Governor Schwarzenegger for his signature. Pundits have predicted he will sign the bill into law, noting that he and his wife were run off the road by paparazzi in 1997.
Proponents of the bill point out that the bill will protect not only celebrities and their passengers, but also other individuals between celebrities and photograph-hungry paparazzi. Various news organizations have countered that the bill will punish ordinary methods used to gather news.
The first anti-paparazzi law was passed in California in 1998, in a reaction to Princess Diana’s death in France. Her death was blamed on a high-speed chase between the Princess’s car and paparazzi. That law was amended in 2005 and 2009.
If this bill becomes law, an accusation with subsequent charges under the new law will be serious. This anti-paparazzi law carries a large fine and potential jail time. If you have been accused of a violation of the anti-paparazzi law or another crime, contact the Los Angeles criminal defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf. We have extensive experience representing defendants in a variety of Los Angeles crimes. Contact us today for a free consultation at 866-390-7373.
