Judge Charles R. Brehmer: Professional Background and Legal Expertise

Kern County Superior Court, Department - 4

CA Bar #: 160247 (December 1992)

Biography

Overview

The Hon. Charles R. Brehmer is a judge for the Kern County Superior Court in California. Brehmer was elected to the bench on November 4, 2008, filling the vacancy created by the retirement of the Hon. Clarence Westra[1].

While on the bench, Brehmer's assignments have included misdemeanor, civil, preliminary hearing, and felony criminal calendars[1]. He served as assistant presiding judge from 2016 to 2017 and as presiding judge from 2018 to 2019[1].

In 2021, Brehmer vacated Dwight Jones's murder conviction and ordered Jones released after new evidence was presented by the prosecution and the Loyola Project for the Innocent[2]. Brehmer also presided over People v. Brittney Collins, a case in which the California Supreme Court later reversed the conviction in 2025 and clarified the standard for parental liability in homicide cases based on a failure to protect a child from abuse[3].

Educational background

Brehmer earned a bachelor's degree from Valparaiso University in Indiana[1]. At Valparaiso University Law School in Indiana, he completed a J.D.[1] He was admitted to the State Bar of California (December 1992).

Career history

After his admission to the bar, Brehmer began private practice with Borton, Petrini & Conron (1993 to 1995). Brehmer then practiced as a partner at Biel & Brehmer (1995 to 2000). In 2000, he opened a solo practice in Bakersfield, where his work focused on civil litigation and mediation until he took the bench[1]. Across those years in private practice, his work also included criminal and civil matters in Kern County. He also received alternative dispute resolution training through a Pepperdine University program[1].

Personal life

Raised as the son of Lutheran missionaries in Nigeria, Brehmer later said that those experiences contributed to his interest in justice[1].

On October 25, 2012, the California Commission on Judicial Performance issued a public admonishment to Brehmer for Political Reform Act violations during his 2008 campaign, including acceptance of cash contributions above the legal limit and late filing of some financial reports[4].

References

[1] Daily Journal — Judicial Profile of Charles R. Brehmer
[2] Loyola Law School — Dwight Jones Release
[3] People v. Collins Opinion
[4] California Commission on Judicial Performance — Public Admonishment (October 25, 2012)

Recent Cases by Hon. Charles R. Brehmer

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA VS LEXINGTON NATIONAL INSURANCE CORPORATION ET AL

On July 22, 2019 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

1 File

Filed

Jul 22, 2019

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 15, 2021

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA VS LEXINGTON NATIONAL INSURANCE CORPORATION ET AL

On July 22, 2019 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

1 File

Filed

Jul 22, 2019

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 10, 2021

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA VS LEXINGTON NATIONAL INSURANCE CORPORATION ET AL

On July 22, 2019 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

3 Files

Filed

Jul 22, 2019

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Dec 13, 2021

PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA VS LEXINGTON NATIONAL INSURANCE CORPORATION ET AL

On July 22, 2019 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

2 Files

Filed

Jul 22, 2019

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Judgment Enforcement

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 17, 2021

DOMINGUEZ VS KEHAGIAS

On May 21, 2019 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

May 21, 2019

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 17, 2021

LAVERONE VS GOLDNER ET AL

On August 2, 2018 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

11 Files

Filed

Aug 02, 2018

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Superior Court of California

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

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Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Automobile

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 17, 2021

EDWIN LIMA DECEASED

On September 6, 2017 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

1 File

Filed

Sep 06, 2017

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

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Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Spousal Property

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 18, 2021

CONNELL HARPER JR DECEASED

On June 20, 2017 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

2 Files

Filed

Jun 20, 2017

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Succession of Property

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 18, 2021

BREHMER VS BISPO

On August 19, 2013 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Aug 19, 2013

Status

Non-Jury Verdict

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Torts

Matter Type

Harassment

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 19, 2021

RADOVICZ VS ZIPREALTY

On November 30, 2010 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Nov 30, 2010

Status

Non-Jury Verdict

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Administrative

Matter Type

Writs

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 19, 2021

CRUZ V CRUZ

On May 3, 2010 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

May 03, 2010

Status

Judgment of Divorce,Annulment,Separation

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 19, 2021

HSBC VS LOPEZ

On June 11, 2009 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Jun 11, 2009

Status

Trial Verdict

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 19, 2021

VREJH KOURINIAN VS JOHN HOWARD BRUSCHI

On May 22, 2009 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

May 22, 2009

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 19, 2021

BRAZEAL VS COMEAU

On May 21, 2009 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

May 21, 2009

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 19, 2021

HARBOR LIGHTS MOBILE VS COLEMAN

On April 21, 2009 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Apr 21, 2009

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Property

Matter Type

Unlawful Detainer

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 19, 2021

CHARLES P MATLOCK REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST

On November 24, 2008 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Nov 24, 2008

Status

Default Judgment

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

Trusts

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 19, 2021

FORD MOTOR CREDIT VS GOULD

On November 10, 2008 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Nov 10, 2008

Status

Dismissal

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

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Practice Area

Creditor

Matter Type

Collections

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 19, 2021

HOBSON V. HOBSON

On October 15, 2008 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Oct 15, 2008

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 19, 2021

KLARICH V KLARICH

On October 3, 2007 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Oct 03, 2007

Status

Judgment of Divorce,Annulment,Separation

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 20, 2021

RAREIETY CHAPPELL MC

On July 6, 2007 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Jul 06, 2007

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 20, 2021

MC CARLOS PAREDES

On July 5, 2007 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Jul 05, 2007

Status

Stipulated Judgment

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Probate

Matter Type

General Probate

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 20, 2021

CROMWELL VS CROMWELL

On March 1, 2007 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Mar 01, 2007

Status

Judgment of Divorce,Annulment,Separation

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Divorce,Separation

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 20, 2021

HERNANDEZ V PEREZ

On February 28, 2007 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Feb 28, 2007

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 20, 2021

MATHERON V HORN

On February 22, 2007 a case was filed in the jurisdiction of Kern County. Judge Charles R. Brehmer presiding.

Filed

Feb 22, 2007

Status

Judgment (Other)

Judge

Hon. Charles R. Brehmer 👉 Discover key insights by exploring more analytics for Charles R. Brehmer

Court

Kern County

County

Kern County, CA

Case #

(Subscribe to View)

Practice Area

Family

Matter Type

Domestic Violence

Case Last Refreshed

Nov 20, 2021

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About

Charles R. Brehmer
Current Appointment Kern County Superior Court, Department - 4	Kern County Superior Court, Department - 4
Election/Appointment November 4, 2008 - Kern County Superior Court; 2014 - Re-elected; 2020 - Re-elected	November 4, 2008 - Kern County Superior Court; 2014 - Re-elected; 2020 - Re-elected
Education J.D., Valparaiso University Law School Bachelor's degree, Valparaiso University	J.D., Valparaiso University Law School Bachelor's degree, Valparaiso University
Official Website www.kern.courts.ca.gov	www.kern.courts.ca.gov

Documents related to Charles R. Brehmer

Court Info

Court Info
Current Court:	CA - Kern County Superior Court
Clerk phone:	+1 (661) 610-6000

Career History

Career History
Role	Employer	Where
Attorney	Borton, Petrini & Conron	Kern County, California
Sole Practitioner	Private Practice	Kern County, California
Judge	Kern County Superior Court	Kern County, California
Partner	Biel & Brehmer	Kern County, California