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

Open and Concealed Gun Carry Laws in Alabama
Learn about Alabama’s laws on the possession and carrying of guns.
Stun Gun Laws and Permit Requirements
Regulations on stun guns and Tasers are inconsistent across the United States, but courts have struck down complete bans on consumer possession or carrying of these weapons.
Missouri Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences
Learn how misdemeanor sentencing works in Missouri, how previous convictions can affect the your sentence, and when you might get probation instead of jail time.
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.
Arizona Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences
Learn how felony sentencing works in Arizona, how previous convictions and other aggravated circumstances can affect the length of your prison sentence, and when you might get probation instead of imprisonment.
Stun Gun Laws in New York
A federal court found that New York’s complete ban on civilian possession of stun guns and Tasers was unconstitutional.
What Is the Legal Way to Bring a Firearm Into California?
It may be against the law to buy a gun out of state and simply drive it back to California. Learn how to bring a gun here the right way—and the penalties if you do it illegally.
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.
Stun Gun Laws in Georgia
You don’t need a permit to buy a stun gun or Taser in Georgia, but there are a few restrictions on where and how these weapons may be used.
Ohio Gun and Weapon Laws and Restrictions
Ohio requires a license for carrying concealed handguns. It also regulates who can have guns, where they can bring firearms, and the types and uses of weapons that aren’t allowed.