Glossary of Legal Terms & Definitions
- Canons of ethics Canons of ethics are the ethical standards attorneys must follow in the practice of law.
- Capital offense A capital offense is a crime which can result in someone being sentenced to death, such as treason or first-degree murder.
- Case law Is law established from previous decisions by appellate courts or the Supreme Court of the United States that are used in writing an argument in a brief or answer.
- Case number The number assigned by the court to identify one case from another.
- Cause of action The factual situation which provides a legal right to bring a claim in court for damages and compensation.
- Certified copy A certified copy is a copy of a document that is authenticated and certified as a true copy of the original document by the person who is in possession of the original.
- Certiorari Granting a writ of certiorari is the legal equivalent of agreeing to do something. A higher court, such as the Supreme Court of the United States, grants a writ of certiorari to review a lower court’s procedure and decision.
- Charge In a criminal case, the Defendant gets charged with committing a crime. The charge is the law the defendant is accused of breaking.
- Circumstantial evidence Is when a principal fact is inferred from one or more circumstantial facts. For example, a judge or jury can infer a person committed a crime if they are seen running away from the scene of the crime.
- Civil law or civil case A civil case involves private parties or businesses suing each other under law not regulated by a state or federal government.
- Class action A class action is a case brought by an individual or two on behalf of a larger group of people.
- Clearinghouse An organization located in one spot that monitors, receives, and disburses child support-IV-D payments.
- Client security/protection fund Is a fund established by the Supreme Court of Arizona to help people hurt by the dishonest conduct of licensed Arizona attorneys by reimbursing them for loses they have sustained.
- Closing Usually refers to purchasing and selling of real estate. It is the final exchange where the parties exchange the agreed on amount for the title and deed.
- Code of Professional Responsibility The ethical rules attorneys are required to follow when practicing law.
- Common law is the original legal system, based on court decisions, that originated in England and was brought over to the United States when it was first forming. United States common law varies by state, the three types are: English; French; and Spanish.
- Compensatory damages Is money awarded to compensate someone for losses suffered. Typically, it is for damages that can be measured, such as medical bills or replacing property, but can also include harder to measure damages, such as pain and suffering.
- Complainant In a civil case, the complainant is the party alleging the offense and brining the lawsuit.
- Complaint The complaint is the initial document filed to begin a case. It lists the facts of the case, the relevant law, and the action the filing party is asking the court to take.
- Conciliation A conciliation is a form of alternative dispute resolution in which a neutral third party tries to help resolve a case without proceeding through the court system, similar to a mediation.
- Constable A constable is an elected official directed by the Justice of the Peace to deliver and return legal notices/documents.
- Contempt of court A person is found in contempt of court when they willfully disobey or disrespect the court or a judge’s command and interfere with the administration of justice. Someone found in contempt of court can face financial sanctions and, potentially, jail time.
- Contingency fee A contingency fee is the amount a lawyer agrees to be paid out of the damages awarded to their client. Typically, filing fees and other costs associated with working the case are not considered part of the contingency fee amount.
- Continuance A continuance is a request by a party for the court to postpone a legal proceeding to a later date.
- Contract A contract is a legally enforceable agreement made either orally or in writing between two or more parties creating an obligation to do or not to do a particular thing. A contract can be formed by orally agreeing to do something, signing an agreement, or by performing your part of the(...)
- Conviction In a criminal case, a conviction is when someone has been found guilty of committing a crime.
- Copyright A copyright is a legally enforceable authority someone was given to prevent other people or businesses from copying things they have written, authored, or created.
- Corporation A corporation is a legal entity authorized by a state to conduct business or other activities within the state. Similar to an individual person, a corporation can perform actions necessary to carry on business, such as enter into contracts or sue/be sued. Typically, those who own a(...)
- Counsel Is another word for attorney or lawyer in a case, a person who can give legal advice.
- Counterclaim In a civil case, a counterclaim is made by the Defendant against the Plaintiff alleging they did something to cause or aggravate the issue.
- Court A court is an entity established by the federal or state government to resolve legal disputes.
- Court costs Are the costs associated with arguing or defending a court case, not including attorney fees. For example, the costs associated with filing the complaint or the costs for hiring a process server.
- Court reporter A court reporter is a person who works for the court who transcribes word-for-word what is said in a court proceeding or deposition and produces a transcript of the proceedings upon request.
- Crime Someone commits a crime when they do an action forbidden by a state or federal statute or regulation.
- Criminal justice system All the courts and tribunals established to handle enforcement of criminal law.
- Cross-examine When a witness has finished being questioned by the attorney who asked them to testify and the opposing attorney starts questioning them.
Always Available 24/7 for Legal Help
Schedule an Appointment Today!
Call Us Now to Speak with an Attorney (602) 825-2500
What People Say
Client Testimonials
“Great service thank you”
CHM is amazing they are great people they helped me with my worries about my case and also they treated me like family from the start and they got great service thank you, guys.
Ulises Mendoza - Google Review
“He was very thorough and professional all the way through”
Dave Maletta Attorney represented me in a legal matter and he did an excellent job. He was very thorough and professional all the way through. I would highly recommend his services and his firm. He and his firm did an excellent job apprising me every step of the way about what to do what to expect and the legal process. I very much appreciate his help and I would recommend his services and his firm very strongly as I feel I received a high value for the legal services I requested.
Roger Donohue - Google Review
“She would be the one to call, and I highly recommend her”
Juanita assisted me with two important life matters- a divorce and a will. She is extremely patient, and kind and offers important advice. If I need her again I would not hesitate for one second. She would be the one to call, and I highly recommend her.
Tiffany Pless - Google Review
“The entire process was very efficient and smooth and it put me at ease”
I worked with Juanita to prepare a will and other legal documents for me. The entire process was very efficient and smooth and it put me at ease, and also they were very helpful in answering all of the questions I had. I highly recommend Juanita for your legal needs.
Nykelia Massingale - Google Review
“I was convinced they were the best firm for the job”
After learning my spouse was filing for divorce, I found CHM Law on both Google and Yelp. After my initial consultation, I was convinced they were the best firm for the job. My team of lawyer Judie and paralegal Whitney were incredible, to say the least. They ensured an incredibly smooth process during a very difficult period and obtained a settlement above and beyond my wildest expectations. If I ever get remarried and divorced again, they will be my first call.
Richard Moser - Google Review
“I actually interviewed 5 potential lawyers and David was the most optimistic of all of them.”
I have nothing but good things to say about my experience working with David Maletta. I was in a very high stress situation facing a pending dui charge. He doesn’t know this but I actually interviewed 5 potential lawyers and David was the most optimistic of all of them. He took over and handled everything, and now I don’t have to live with a dui. Thank you so much for everything! Highly recommend to anyone looking for legal help.
Lauren Koontz - Google Review
“He made me feel like I was his number 1 priority”
Mr. Dave Maletta represented me in a legal matter that I had no idea where to start at. I contacted his office and they were very polite and made me feel comfortable from start to finish. Mr. Maletta was very thorough and professional! He returned my calls when I would leave a a message. He made me feel like I was his number 1 priority. Thank you again to the CHM office for everything you all did for me! I will definitely be recommending others to this place.
Living Life- Google Review
“We would highly recommend him to any prospective client”
Mr. Hintze was exceptionally thorough in explaining the law, our options with our case, what to expect, and how the Court would proceed. His skill in presenting arguments at trial was exceptionally precise and detailed. He did not hesitate to defend and argue when necessary to protect his client, which we feel contributed to our win at trial. We would highly recommend him to any prospective client.
Lisa - Avvo Review
“His knowledge and client-centered approach had a significant positive influence”
Tim’s commitment to my case was demonstrated by his timely responses and attention to detail. Thanks to Tim, I felt secure and equipped to handle the difficulties of my child support case. His knowledge and client-centered approach had a significant positive influence, providing the greatest possible conclusion for my family and me.
Merlene - Avvo Review
“I’m very amazed by their service and how smooth it is”
Amazing experience, very knowledgeable, thorough, and professional. I’m very amazed by their service and how smooth it is, especially with how much help I received with my case.
Hugo Esparza - Google Review
“He fights for his clients like no one I have ever seen”
David Maletta is the absolute best trial attorney in the state of Arizona. He is a kind, emphatic, and extremely patient person. As an attorney, he is prepared, aggressive, and extremely skilled. He is not afraid to go to trial and fight for his clients, like other attorneys that just plead their clients to the original charges. When he is in trial, he flips a switch and goes from a nice guy to a killing machine. He fights for his clients like no one I have ever seen. Watching him do a cross-examination is exhilarating because he is so good it’s scary.
Patricia Bevins - Google Review
“She was knowledgeable and patient but educated as well”
Juanita was absolutely wonderful and a pleasure to meet. She was knowledgeable and patient but educated as well to be more involved and aware of our case. Thank you, Juanita, for being a blessing to us! May God continue to bless you tenfold!
Cassandra Hemphill- Google Review
“She helped me with everything I needed”
The experience I had with this law firm was exceptional. Juanita Pena helped me with everything I needed and any questions I had
Kasey - Google Review
“She exceeded my expectations”
Lauren Bostick is exceptional! She took the stress and worry out of the divorce process and completely put me at ease. She exceeded my expectations and fought to protect my kids and me. I would highly recommend her and cannot thank her enough for the impact she has had on our lives.
Carmen Waggoner - Google Review
“She’s smart, driven, and supportive”
I highly recommend this law firm to anyone going through a family law case. They are awesome. Lauren Bostick was my attorney and she knows how to bring her A-game. She’s smart, driven, and supportive. Even after my case was finalized she has still answered questions for me and has stayed in communication to ensure that all is well. If you hire this firm I hope she is assigned to your case – but you can feel confident with any of the attorneys here. However, Lauren would be who I ask for if I need them again. Thank you Lauren for your support and help through all of my dramatic twists and turns of my case! You did an awesome job!!!!
Jeremy Chinavare - Google Review
“The entire process was very efficient”
I worked with CHM to prepare a will and other legal documents for me. The entire process was very efficient, and they were very helpful in answering all of the questions I had. I highly recommend Juanita for your legal needs.
Nykelia Massingale - Google Review
“Best injury lawyers in Phoenix!”
I hired CHM Injury Attorneys after I got rear-ended and could not be happier with my decision. Darin, Jessica, Libby, Maeve, and the whole team have been awesome! They are knowledgeable and kept me informed throughout the case. Most importantly they helped me get the care I needed when I needed it. With CHM I didn’t feel like just another case. I felt like family. I strongly recommend CHM! They are the best injury lawyers in Phoenix!
Patrick Martin - Google Review
“She provided me with the best experience”
Juanita was outstanding throughout my whole process. She provided me with the best experience I could possibly have through the toughest times of my life. Her team is exceptional as well as very knowledgeable and caring firm!