E.A. Gjelten

Legal Editor

E.A. (Liz) Gjelten has been a legal editor at Nolo since 2016. 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.

Legal background. Before coming to Nolo, Liz worked for 12 years as a legal author for Thomson Reuters, writing about new legal developments in family law and workers’ compensation for Westlaw and print publications. She also researched and wrote the annual roundup of new California legislation for a monthly family law journal. Before that, Liz worked for 15 years as an author, legal editor, and managing editor for California Family Law Report, a small legal publishing company.

Working at Nolo. Since 2021, Liz has worked as the legal editor for family law and divorce, drawing on her years of experience researching, writing, and editing in that area. Before that, Liz was a special projects editor, writing articles on a range of topics, including workers’ compensation, civil rights, and animal law.

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 is 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 Maryland
Learn about Maryland’s laws on possessing, carrying, and using handguns and other dangerous weapons, as well as the procedure under the state's "red flag law" for ordering dangerous individuals to surrender their guns.
Weapons Charges in Missouri
Learn about Missouri’s limited restrictions on possessing, carrying, and using firearms.
Kansas Gun Laws and Weapons Charges
Kansas allows most adults to carry guns openly or concealed. Learn about the state’s limited restrictions on possession, carrying, and use of firearms and other weapons.
Weapons Charges in Georgia
Learn about Georgia’s gun laws from constitutional carry to prohibited persons and places.
Weapons Charges in New Mexico
Learn about New Mexico’s gun regulations, including restrictions on the possession, carrying, and use of deadly weapons.
Red Flag Laws Explained: ERPOs, Constitutionality, and Your Rights
Learn about state laws that allow law enforcement, family members, and sometimes other community members to request court orders to disarm people who pose a risk of gun violence.
Open and Concealed Gun Carry Laws in Oklahoma
Oklahoma allows most people to carry firearms openly or concealed without a license. But a few places are off-limits to guns.
Maryland Red Flag Laws: Extreme Risk Protective Orders (ERPOs)
Maryland allows family members, certain health professionals, law enforcement, and others to request orders that require dangerous gun owners to give up their weapons.
What Is the Legal Way to Bring a Firearm Into California?
California doesn't let you simply drive across the border with a new gun. Most firearms must go through a licensed dealer first. Learn who's exempt, how to ship legally, and what penalties apply for violations.
California Felony Crimes and Sentences
Learn how sentencing works in California for felonies, crimes that can be either felonies or misdemeanors, and defendants who have previous convictions for serious or violent felonies.