Glossary of Legal Terms & Definitions
- Emancipation A process where a child, due to age or circumstance, requests a court to declare them legally independent from their parents.
- En Banc Is Latin for “in the bench” or “full bench.” It is a term used when an entire appellate court or the U.S. Supreme Court sit to hear a case, instead of only a portion.
- Equal Parenting Time An agreement between parents that equally splits the children’s time between them each year.
- Equal Protection Clause The Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution provides that state government institutions must equally apply the law to each person regardless of preference or class of persons over another.
- Evidence Evidence is testimony or documentation presented by either party to the judge or jury to support their argument and persuade them to rule in their favor.
- Ex Parte Ex parte is a Latin phrase for when a party asks for relief from the court without providing notice to the opposing party. Typically, an ex parte proceeding is done to obtain orders of protection.
- Exhibit An exhibit is documentation, such as a report or photograph, or physical evidence, such as a gun, presented at trial in support of one party’s argument.
- Expert witness A third party not directly involved in a legal proceeding who has specialized knowledge of a subject and is asked to testify on how that knowledge applies to the case. For example, an expert on poison could testify about the type of poison used to kill someone.
- Expungement Expungement is a legal process that allows a person convicted of a crime to petition a court to destroy any record of the case from court records, so it is like the case never existed.
- Extradition When a state or country agrees to turnover an accused criminal to another state or country.
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What People Say
Client Testimonials
“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 is an outstanding professional with extensive knowledge”
I wholeheartedly recommend Juanita for her exceptional expertise in family law. She is an outstanding professional with extensive knowledge and experience in this complex field. Juanita’s guidance and support have been invaluable, and her dedication to her clients is evident in everything she does. Her ability to navigate sensitive and complex family law matters with compassion and skill is impressive. If you’re seeking a trustworthy and knowledgeable family law professional, look no further than Juanita.
Regina Nuñez - Google Review
“The calm in the middle of my storm…”
I recently consulted with Darin after my wife filed for divorce. He was referred to me by a friend whom I very much trust. Darin was the antithesis of the first two attorneys I consulted (who were matter-of-fact and had very little empathy about the fact that I was struggling emotionally with what was transpiring). From the first few minutes of speaking with Darin, it was obvious that he was very knowledgeable and skilled with divorce and family matters. While that was most important to me, the thing that made the difference was his calming, logical, and empathetic approach. He took the time to listen and empathize with me. He took the time to understand what I wanted to achieve through this process and laid out my options. After the consultation, I knew he would be my attorney if I had to pull the trigger. I, ultimately, didn’t have to engage Darin’s services due to a reconciliation with my wife. I hope I never have to go through that process again. However, if I do, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt who I will be hiring to represent me…Darin R. Colburn. Darin, thank you for caring and being more than an attorney.
Frank - AVVO Review
“They are truly the best in the business!”
Colburn Hintze Maletta is an absolute game-changer! Their expertise in both family and criminal law is unparalleled. From the moment I stepped into their office, I felt heard, understood, and confident in their abilities. Their team is incredibly knowledgeable, compassionate, and dedicated to achieving the best possible outcome. They went above and beyond to guide me through a complex legal process, providing clear explanations and unwavering support. I wholeheartedly recommend Colburn Hintze Maletta to anyone facing legal challenges. They are truly the best in the business!
Alex Morales - Google Review
“She’s an outstanding attorney and we won the case”
Jessica Hernandez is my lawyer. She did an awesome job in everything, especially asking questions to the opponent and me. I can’t thank her enough for the care she showed me throughout the whole case and she’s really good at explaining and guiding me in this kind of case. She’s an outstanding attorney and we won the case. She was so smart and very detailed in everything and she’s well prepared to defend me that the judge and my opponents’ attorney didn’t even ask questions to me. I thank David for giving me Jessica to represent me, and also to the whole team for doing a great job. If you need lawyers, I highly recommend Colburn Hintze Maletta PLLC.
Faith Epelipcia- Google Review
“Very professional, and efficient and they are always here for you.”
Hands down the absolute best team you will ever work with. Throughout the entire process never had to worry about anything at all. Very professional, and efficient and they are always here for you.
Amina Riley - Google Review
“She was able to take my worries and fears off my shoulders”
There is not a single mother out there who is ever prepared for the phone call from the local police department. That phone call can change your life. I got into contact with Jessica Hernandez of Colburn Hintze and Maletta and she was able to take my worries and fears off my shoulders. She worked extremely hard to get the results that my son needed and got him released with probation. She was able to set my mind at ease and she continued to remind me that these actions of my son did not define the person he is. What a gift to have someone defend my child and at the same time not make me feel like I was judged as a bad parent or a failure. Thank you Jessica for taking him on and for never giving up on him. Thank you for being an amazing attorney and for always taking my questions.
Brandy Waldeck- 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
“I’ll highly recommend them”
The whole process was really informative and helpful Dave and Juanita were the best, I’ll highly recommend them.
Dulce Sepulveda - Google Review
“She always had my best interest in mind”
Lauren was outstanding throughout the whole process. She was always available as needed, upfront and honest, and very knowledgeable. Most lawyers don’t really have your best interest in mind. It’s all about their pocketbook. Lauren never gave that impression and comes from a place of sincerity. She always had my best interest in mind. If you happen to be unfortunate enough to need a lawyer, I sincerely recommend Lauren. I can’t imagine how anyone could be disappointed.
Daniel- Google Review
“He actually cares about your life and what’s going on in it”
David Maletta is one of the best in the business, hiring him to represent me was one of my best decisions. He actually cares about your life and what’s going on in it. It’s like talking with a friend except he’s got your court stuff handled on the backend so you won’t even have to lift a finger!
Manny Martinez - Google Review
“She’s provided me with the best experience”
Juanita was outstanding throughout my whole process. She’s 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!
Danelly Aleman- Google Review
“He gives sound advice and also what is in the best interest of the client”
Aside from being a genuinely nice person, David Maletta is an excellent lawyer. He gives sound advice and also what is in the best interest of the client. I highly recommend his services.
Robert Carolina - Google Review
“He is a very impressive man! He was outstanding throughout the entire process”
David Maletta representing me made me very delighted. He is a very impressive man! He was outstanding throughout the entire process. Superbly cordial and expert. Having him on my side made all the difference in the world. I couldn’t have imagined a better result. I advise him to everyone who is facing legal difficulties. I appreciate all of your effort.
Audy - 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
“Excellent service, Highly recommended”
I highly recommend this team for their professionalism. compassion, and understanding. They explained each process step by step.
Daniel Velasco - Google Review
“Their communication and accessibility was outstanding”
I went through a divorce years ago and never felt confident enough to spend the money and energy in getting custody of my son, nor believe it was possible until I met with Alysa and Whittney at CHM. From beginning to end it was about an 18-month-long process, but it was well worth it and I would recommend them to anyone. I can’t thank them enough. Their communication and accessibility was outstanding. Not only did they give me my son back, but they gave him the best possible chance at life! Aly and Whittney, thank you!!!
Charlie Mic - Google Review
“I’m very grateful for them and will definitely be recommending them to everyone!”
This law firm was so easy to work with, I recently got myself into some trouble and needed a lawyer they were able to help out of a worse outcome. I’m very grateful for them and will definitely be recommending them to everyone!