Stacy Barrett

Stacy Barrett

Attorney · UC Law San Francisco

Stacy Barrett started writing articles for Nolo as a freelancer in 2019. She became a full-time Legal Editor in 2021. Her articles appear on sites including Nolo.com, CriminalDefenseLawyer.com, Lawyers.com, AllLaw.com, and Avvo.com.

Education. Stacy has a B.A. from Northern Arizona University, where she graduated with highest honors, and a J.D. from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings). She earned several academic awards from both institutions, including scholarships for academic achievement.

Legal career. Stacy began working as a criminal defense attorney in 2006. Her first job was with the Napa County Public Defender. She represented clients accused of misdemeanors and felonies. She also represented parents in civil contempt proceedings and patients facing involuntary civil commitments in state hospitals. In 2016, Stacy continued her work as a trial attorney at a private law firm. A few of Stacy's victories in trial court received national and international media coverage.

Other pursuits. Prior to her legal career, Stacy wrote feature articles for a small-town newspaper and copy pages for a national magazine in New York City. During law school she taught Street Law to middle school students receiving residential treatment in San Francisco. In 2019, she co-founded a program to support formerly incarcerated students in community college.

Why Nolo? Stacy's work as a deputy public defender, commitment to equity in education, and writing background led her to Nolo in 2019. She believes in Nolo's mission to provide all people, regardless of income level, the information they need to make important legal decisions.

Articles by Stacy Barrett

Is Intoxication a Defense to Criminal Charges?
Most people assume being drunk might excuse their actions—but courts rarely see it that way. Whether intoxication can be used as a defense depends on how it happened and what crime was charged.
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.
Sextortion: Laws, Penalties, and Help for Victims
Online predators use sexual images to extort money, more photos, or compliance. Sextortion is a federal and state crime—and help is available. Here's what you need to know about the law.
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.
Runaway Teenagers: Laws and Legal Options
If a teen runs away from home, state law determines what happens next. Learn about status offenses, harboring laws, legal options, and getting help.
Ketamine Possession Laws: What's Legal, What's a Crime, and What's the Penalty
Learn more about the legal status of Ketamine, from anesthetic to club drug to promising treatment for depression.
Can Parents Go to Jail for a Child’s Gun Violence?
Learn how prosecutors are holding parents criminally liable when their child uses a gun to hurt themselves or other people.
What Is Martial Law? Who Declares Martial Law?
Government officials can invoke martial law under limited circumstances, but checks and balances remain.
Homicide: Murder and Manslaughter
The term "homicide" means the killing of another person—but it's not always a crime. Some homicides are justified, such as those done in self-defense or during war. Unlawful homicides include murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide.
Auto Theft Laws in California
California has two different statutes that criminalize auto theft. Each crime may be punished as a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the value of the car.
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