E.A. Gjelten

E.A. Gjelten

Author and Editor

E.A. (Liz) Gjelten has been a special projects editor at Nolo since 2016. A generalist when it comes to subject matter, she enjoys using her research, analytical, and writing skills to translate complex legal issues into jargon-free language that’s accessible to lay readers without compromising accuracy.

Nolo. In addition to her work on surveys about lay people’s experiences with the legal process, Liz writes articles for Nolo.com, Lawyers.com, Criminaldefenselawyer.com, and Alllaw.com in several areas of the law, including workers’ compensation, criminal law, civil rights, school law, and animal law. 

Legal background. Before coming to Nolo, Liz worked for 12 years as a legal author for Thomson Reuters, writing about new legal developments in workers’ compensation and family law for Westlaw and print publications. She also wrote an annual roundup of new California legislation for a monthly family law journal. Before that, Liz worked as an author, legal editor, and managing editor for California Family Law Report, a small legal publishing company.

Other pursuits. Liz has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of California at Los Angeles and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from San Francisco State University. She’s a produced playwright and has taught at San Francisco State University and New College of California. She’s also worked as a freelance book editor, journalist, and grant writer.

Articles By E.A. Gjelten

Red Flag Laws: Constitutionality and Enforcement of Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Many states have passed laws that allow law enforcement—and often family members—to request court orders to disarm people who pose a risk of gun violence. Look for constitutional challenges ahead.
Stun Gun Laws in Michigan
Stun guns are illegal in Michigan, but civilians may possess and use Tasers if they have a concealed carry permit.
Maryland Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences
In Maryland, sentences for misdemeanors can range from 30 days in jail or a fine to several years in prison. Learn how sentencing works in Maryland, where misdemeanor sentences are served, and how previous convictions affect potential sentences.
New York's Red Flag Law: Extreme Risk Protection Orders
New York allows school administrators, family members, and others to apply for orders that require dangerous gun owners to give up their weapons. Learn how the state’s red flag law works.
Maryland Red Flag Laws and Extreme Risk Protective Orders
Maryland allows family members, certain health professionals, law enforcement, and others to request orders that require dangerous gun owners to give up their weapons.
Risk Protection Orders: A Guide to Florida's Red Flag Law
Under Florida’s red flag law, judges may order certain people at risk of gun violence to surrender their firearms. Learn how the law works.
Colorado's Red Flag Law : A Guide to Extreme Risk Protection Orders
Learn when Colorado courts can order people at risk of gun violence to surrender their firearms, who can request these extreme risk protection orders, and how gun owners can challenge them.
California's Red Flag Law: A Guide to Gun Violence Restraining Orders
Learn who may request gun violence restraining orders in California, how to make or oppose a request, and what kinds of proof judges need before they order gun owners to surrender their firearms and ammunition.
New Mexico Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences
Learn how felony sentencing works in New Mexico, how previous convictions and aggravating circumstances can affect the length of your prison sentence, and when you might get probation instead of imprisonment.
Missouri Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences
Learn how felony sentencing works in Missouri, how previous convictions can affect the length of your prison sentence, and when you might get probation instead of imprisonment.