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

Weapons Charges in Missouri
Learn about Missouri’s limited restrictions on possessing, carrying, and using firearms.
Weapons Charges in Georgia
Learn about Georgia’s gun laws from constitutional carry to prohibited persons and places.
Illinois Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences
Learn which crimes are considered misdemeanors in Illinois, the possible sentences for each class of misdemeanor, and alternative sentencing for these less-serious crimes.
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.
Illinois Felony Crimes by Class and Sentences
Learn how Illinois defines and classifies felonies, the kinds of sentences judges may give for different classes of felonies, and when defendants may have to serve extra time in prison.
New York Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences
Learn what kinds of crimes are considered misdemeanors in New York and the possible sentences for each category of misdemeanor.
Mississippi Felony Crimes and Sentences
A felony in Mississippi is a serious crime that is punishable by death or incarceration in state prison. The Mississippi criminal statutes provide the possible penalties for each individual felony.
Mississippi Misdemeanor Crimes by Class and Sentences
Learn how Mississippi law determines which crimes are misdemeanors and what penalties come with those crimes.
Stun Gun Laws in New Jersey
As a result of a court order declaring New Jersey’s complete ban on stun guns and Tasers to be unconstitutional, most people 18 or older may buy and possess one of these weapons in the state.
Open and Concealed Gun Carry Laws in Alabama
Learn about Alabama’s laws on the possession and carrying of guns.