LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles prosecutors have filed criminal charges against a paparazzo photographer for allegedly racing across a Los Angeles freeway in an effort to get photographs of Justin Bieber.

The case marks the first use of a 2010 state law designed to prevent paparazzi from dangerously pursuing celebrities for photos.

The City Attorney's office said Wednesday that 30-year-old Paul Raef faces four charges, including reckless driving with the intent to capture pictures for commercial gain, following another vehicle too closely, and reckless driving.

The charges stem from a July 6 incident in which Bieber was stopped by police on a Los Angeles area freeway for driving in excess of 80 miles an hour.