E.A. Gjelten

E.A. Gjelten

Legal 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

New Mexico Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences
Learn how New Mexico classifies and punishes misdemeanors and petty misdemeanors, what jail time is possible, and what sentencing alternatives are available.
Pennsylvania Misdemeanor Crimes by Degree and Sentences
Learn how misdemeanor sentencing works in Pennsylvania and what sentencing alternatives to jail are available.
Idaho Felony Crimes and Sentences
Learn how felony sentencing works in Idaho, how previous convictions affect prison sentences, and when you can get probation.
Alabama Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences
Learn which crimes are considered misdemeanors in Alabama, the possible sentences for each class of misdemeanor, and alternatives to jail sentences.
Mississippi Felony Crimes and Sentences
Learn which crimes are considered felonies in Mississippi and how sentencing works in the state.
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.
Pennsylvania Felony Crimes by Degrees and Sentences
Learn the basics of how criminal sentencing works in Pennsylvania, the maximum sentences you could receive for different categories of felonies, when mandatory minimum sentences apply, and sentencing alternatives to prison.
Nevada Felony Crimes by Categories and Sentences
In Nevada, a felony is any crime that may be punished by death or incarceration in state prison. Learn about the different categories of felonies in Nevada and the potential prison sentences for each type of crime.
Open and Concealed Gun Carry Laws in Oklahoma
Oklahoma allows most people to carry concealed handguns—and to carry all firearms openly—without a license. But a few places are off-limits to guns.
California Misdemeanor Crimes and Sentences
Learn what’s considered a misdemeanor in California, typical sentences for misdemeanors, and when crimes can be either misdemeanors or felonies.