Kelly Martin

Attorney · Golden Gate University School of Law

Kelly Martin is a contributing writer for Nolo with a focus on criminal law. She writes for several sites, including Nolo.com, CriminalDefenseLawyer.com, and Lawyers.com.

Education. Kelly earned her J.D. at Golden Gate University School of Law, which she attended on a merit scholarship. She graduated in 2005 in the top 5% of her class with Highest Honors and received several awards for academic achievement.

Legal experiences. Kelly has been a licensed attorney since 2005. After working at the trial level for two years, she began representing indigent defendants in the California Court of Appeal and soon established a full-time criminal defense appellate practice. In addition to maintaining that practice, she spent two years at the Office of the State Public Defender, representing defendants on appeal in capital cases. She has also taught several semesters as an adjunct professor of legal writing and appellate advocacy at Golden Gate University School of Law. She continues to handle criminal appeals for defendants in California who can't afford lawyers.

Nolo. Kelly started at Nolo in 2022. She was inspired by Nolo’s mission to educate the public about laws that affect us all and is honored to be able to contribute to that work.

Other pursuits. Kelly enjoys road cycling (despite the spandex) and can often be found riding in the Napa Valley. This activity balances out her love of cooking and her enthusiasm for sitting around with a good novel and a lap cat.

Articles by Kelly Martin

Character Evidence and Witnesses in Criminal Cases
Charged with a crime and wondering if friends or family can vouch for you? This article explains what character evidence is, when you can use it, how prosecutors can hit back, and why the mercy rule can sometimes hurt more than it helps.
What Is a Chain of Custody for Evidence?
Evidence doesn't automatically make it into court. Learn how the chain of custody works, why it's important, what challenges can be made, and what happens when there's a break in the chain.
The Right to Carry a Gun in Public
The Supreme Court says the Second Amendment allows the average citizen to carry a handgun in public for self-protection. Though states can limit concealed-carry permits to people who meet certain criteria, they can’t limit permits to people who have a special reason for carrying a handgun in public.
The Crime of Swatting: Laws and Penalties
Swatting isn't just a prank—it's a serious crime that could lead to prison time.
Domestic Violence and Domestic Abuse: Crimes, Penalties, and Resources
Domestic violence can include threatening, pushing, or more serious assaults, and can land the abuser behind bars.
Convincing a Judge to Reduce Bail or a Bond
A defendant with strong ties to the community isn't likely to flee, which may warrant a lower bail or bail reduction.
The Pros and Cons of Plea Bargaining
For most defendants, the principal benefit to plea bargaining is receiving a lighter sentence for a less severe charge than might result from a conviction at trial.
What's the difference between the burden of proof and the standard of proof?
One party generally has the burden of proving its case to the factfinder by a standard of certainty demanded by the law.
Constitutional Rights in Juvenile Cases
Minors in juvenile court delinquency proceedings do not have the same constitutional rights as those given to adults in regular criminal court cases.
Recording the Police: Is It Legal?
Do you have the right to record police officers doing their job?
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