Micah Schwartzbach

Attorney · UC Law San Francisco

Micah Schwartzbach is Nolo’s Digital Editorial Director, overseeing digital editorial content and other aspects of the company’s publishing operation. He considers himself fortunate to work with the talented and experienced team of Nolo Editors.

Education. Micah earned his B.A. from UC Davis, where he graduated with highest honors, and his J.D. from UC Law San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), where he graduated cum laude. He received several academic awards from both institutions, among them a distinction for excellence in the study of evidence law. 

Law practice. Before coming to Nolo, Micah practiced criminal defense law. In his early career, he represented clients throughout Northern California in various stages of criminal cases as part of a small law practice. In his next opportunity, his work centered on writing, editing, and research. One of his most rewarding moments was overcoming a government argument against financial compensation for an innocent man who spent nearly nine years in prison.

Nolo. Micah’s relationship with Nolo began in 2012, when he started to contribute articles to the renowned publishing company as a freelance writer. He joined the staff the next year as a Legal Editor, creating articles and editing books across areas of law. Beyond the websites in the Nolo family, Micah’s analysis has appeared on HowStuffWorks and in the Daily Journal, a periodical for attorneys.

Like other team members, Micah finds tremendous meaning in spreading understanding of and access to the legal system.


Articles By Micah Schwartzbach

How Should I Plead at Arraignment?
At some point in the early stages of criminal proceedings, whether at the first court appearance or a later arraignment, judges ask defendants how they choose to plead.
Criminal Trespassing Law
Criminal trespass involves being on someone else’s property without permission. But the crime isn’t as simple as just being where you’re not supposed to.
DUI Testing: Breath, Blood, and Warrants
In 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court held that laws that make it a crime to refuse a blood test after a DUI arrest are unconstitutional.
State vs. Federal Jurisdiction in Criminal Cases
Learn what determines whether a state or the federal government prosecutes a criminal case.
Can Police Pull You Over for No Reason?
An officer’s pulling over a driver constitutes a detention—the driver hasn’t been arrested, but nevertheless isn’t free to leave.
Miranda Rights: What Happens If the Police Don't Read You Your Rights
Many people believe that if they are arrested and not "read their rights," they can escape punishment. Not true.
How Innocent Defendants Handle Criminal Charges
Even the most well-intentioned prosecutors file charges against innocent suspects occasionally. Other than going to trial, how can innocent defendants avoid trial, a guilty plea, or verdict?
Can I Be Convicted of a Crime If I Didn't Know What I Did Was Illegal?
There are exceptions, but the overwhelming majority of crimes don’t require that the defendant know that his or her conduct is illegal.
Arrest vs. Detention: How to Tell Whether You've Been Arrested or Detained
In general, if a reasonable person in the suspect’s shoes wouldn’t feel free to leave an encounter with the police, then there’s been either a detention or an arrest. Determining which can be tough—and sometimes crucial.
The Right to a Speedy Trial
The Sixth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and the constitutions of the individual states guarantee the right to a speedy trial.