Aug 31, 2026
Brownstein Law Group

Can Drivers Refuse Field Sobriety Tests in California?

The answer depends on several things. The most important factor is usually whether you’ve been arrested or simply stopped. However, other factors, including the type of test, whether the driver is under 21, on probation for driving under the influence (DUI), or suspected of driving under the influence of drugs, […]

Aug 24, 2026
Brownstein Law Group

What Happens If Police Find a Gun in My Car During a Traffic Stop in California?

California law allows gun owners to transport their firearms. However, they must follow specific safety rules to protect themselves and the public. If you’re stopped by the police with a firearm in your vehicle, what happens next will depend on whether you’ve followed those rules to the letter or broken […]

Jul 31, 2026
Brownstein Law Group

What Does “Beyond a Reasonable Doubt” Mean and What Other Legal Standards Apply in California Criminal Cases?

“Beyond a reasonable doubt” is the highest level of proof in the American legal system. Beyond a reasonable doubt doesn’t mean certainty. Rather, it means that it would be difficult to create an alternative explanation for what happened without engaging in imagination or speculation.  While the beyond a reasonable doubt […]

Jul 24, 2026
Brownstein Law Group

What Should You Know About Shoplifting Charges in California?

California has a unique definition of shoplifting. To be convicted of shoplifting in California, the accused person must enter an open business with the intent to steal merchandise worth $950 or less.  Generally, California treats shoplifting as a misdemeanor, but it can be punished as a felony under certain circumstances. […]