Glossary of Legal Terms & Definitions

- Habeas corpus A writ of habeas corpus is filed to bring a prisoner before the court for any of the following reasons: to determine the legality of their imprisonment; to allow them to argue there is not sufficient cause to imprison them; to give testimony, or to be prosecuted.
- Hearing A formal proceeding held before trial to discuss issues of law or of fact. They can be used to narrow down the issues needed to be argued at trial or to help facilitate settlement.
- Hearsay Information a witness obtained secondhand from another source which they then try to testify to at trial. Unless it falls under an exception, hearsay is usually not admissible as evidence.
- Lawsuit A legal action originating with a complaint where a plaintiff claims a defendant failed to perform a legal duty owed to them, resulting in harm to the plaintiff.
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What People Say
Client Testimonials

“This team and office truly are miracle workers and genuinely care about you”
Called and spoke with a lady named Juanita. I told her my situation about a legal matter. She connected me with David who represented me. I had an ugly situation that could have cost me losing my job. David made sure all my questions were answered. What was really amazing was that Juanita would call to check up and make sure I knew what I needed and if I had any questions. This team and office truly are miracle workers and genuinely care about you. Thank you all again at CHM!
Martha Rentaria- Google Review

“I would give them more stars, but the option is not there”
Best divorce lawyers in Arizona, hands down. Timothy Hintz handled my divorce, and as a father, I have my son and our house. I would give them more stars, but the option is not there. His paralegal Jennifer Bone is extremely competent, and the whole team is very friendly. Took a big weight off, having them behind me.
Joseph A. - Google Review

“Thank you so much for your help and for truly caring”
I would like to thank Juanita & the office staff on behalf of my family. You are one of the best law firms I have ever dealt with. Your overall help during our time of need was outstanding. Thank you so much for your help and for truly caring.
LaDonia Coe-Watson - 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

“The outcome was what I was hoping for!”
Darin Colburn was wonderful, professional and a wealth of information. He was so helpful along with Whitney his paralegal.. the outcome was what I was hoping for !! Thank you all for everything !! His entire office staff was great!! I am so thankful for all of you!!
Vicki Poutre - Google Review

“I will, without hesitation, seek his counsel in the future if there is ever a need”
In a time of panic, Mr. Hintze proved to be invaluable I recently was denied a level one fingerprint clearance card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety as a result of a misdemeanor charge that occurred 16 years ago in my youth. This fingerprint card was the only thing standing between me and my ability to attend Arizona State University’s Edison College of Nursing. When I explained the details of my denial he immediately devised and executed a plan that ultimately resulted in me being awarded my fingerprint clearance card. Mr. Hintze’s confidence and steady demeaner brought a sense of relief to me, as I knew from the first conversation we had that his steadfast ability to navigate toward a productive resolution would be instrumental in my success. I appreciate Mr. Hintze beyond words and I will, without hesitation, seek his counsel in the future if there is ever a need.
Amanda - Avvo Review

“He is awesome and I do not regret choosing him”
I was very worried after I got pulled over and charged with DUI for impairment by drugs, but, David Maletta had my case completely dismissed. Tempe (and AZ) in general are very harsh with DUI cases but I sat back while Mr. Maletta reviewed the case. I did not think it was winnable due to the circumstances but I got a phone call that the case was thrown out. I would highly recommend David Maletta to anyone seeking a DUI lawyer, he carefully examined all evidence including bodycams and interviewing the arresting officer. Needless to say, he is awesome and I do not regret choosing him.
Brandon - Avvo Review

“He was very kind and courteous”
Mr. David Maletta was very kind and courteous when he called me I explained my situation and he listened and then told me that I was fine. When I need a lawyer I will go through this firm and not be worried at all. Thank you again Mr. Maletta
Harold W Garlock Jr - Google Review

“Listens to every request that you make on a case”
I honestly just want to let it be known to any and everyone looking for an attorney on a case. Whether it be DUI, possession, or your every day to day traffic violations where you need representation attorney Tim Hintze is your man. You have to respect a man that listens to every request that you make on a case and he gets in there and gets it done. Tim has my respect as an attorney and being a well-rounded representer. From him being honest on the possibility and options for your case to him being easy to work and communicate with via over the phone or face to face Mr. Hintze is working it out.
Ben - AVVO Review

“Not all heroes wear capes!”
Going through a divorce was one of the most stressful times in my life. I was scared, feeling cornered, and in a financial pickle. Darin and his team made everything super easy and manageable. He listened, validated, and gave valuable feedback on each line item. I was very thorough in my search for an attorney since my case involved some complications. My divorce ended up being contested and then appealed. We went to court several times and Darin shined every time! For the amount of work he put in he was very reasonably priced! I spoke to many attorneys, have friends who are attorneys, and even worked with one prior to finding him, that’s how I know Darin is a gem! Hire him! Not all heroes wear capes!
Karen - Avvo Review

“Handled my divorce case better than I could have ever hoped for”
Darin Colburn handled my divorce case better than I could have ever hoped for. From the first time I met with him, he was knowledgeable, professional, and genuine. He isn’t in it to rack up bills, he’s in it to accomplish what’s in the best interest of the children/family involved. He was aggressive when needed and absolutely a killer negotiator.
Brrittney White - Google Review

“She is very knowledgeable and is there with you through the whole process”
It was a pleasure working with Juanita Peña, she is very knowledgeable and is there with you through the whole process. Excellent customer service. I will be referring my family and friends.
Veronica Navarro - Google Review

“He brought me great success and left me with peace of mind”
This is an upstanding law firm with the highest level of character and integrity. My family law attorney, Henry, was very knowledgeable and wise. My situation was very complex with lots of moving parts and he expertly navigated everything from beginning to end. Henry is a great steward and never wasted a single hour of the time I paid him for. He also has a commanding presence in the courtroom. Henry is very discerning and will lead you through the most difficult situations with compassion and empathy. He brought me great success and left me with peace of mind when all that other attorneys had done for me is leave me with debt. I don’t usually leave reviews, but I’m telling you: please call Henry.
Christopher Burke - Google Review

“He is truly the best”
I was new to AZ, and Scottsdale, when I was driving to the airport to pick up a friend coming to visit for the weekend. I was pulled over for a very minor traffic violation, which turned into a very surprising DUI arrest. I have only had one speeding ticket ever in my life, and I’ve never driven drunk before. I was confused how any of this had happened. Of course, as someone who doesn’t have any law issues, I wanted to have the best in my case. Luckily, I found Tim who truly is the best. I asked him many questions throughout our time working together and was very uneasy about the entire situation. He answered my questions and remained calm throughout the months it took to go to court. I was found not guilty of the DUI charges, and it was all thanks to Tim. I couldn’t recommend him high enough, he handled everything perfectly.
Megan - Avvo Review

“They worked fast and hard to win my case”
They helped me and provided me with outstanding service. They worked fast and hard to win my case. I’m very grateful. Thank you!
Miguel Gomez - 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

“He was professional, knowledgeable, understanding and very patient”
Darin has been great!!! I unfortunately, had a very long and complicated divorce because of the circumstances involved. He was professional, knowledgeable, understanding and very patient. I would highly recommend him for any legal services he can provide.
Ann Gaston- Google Review

“Hiring him was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made”
Hiring Tim was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. He cared about my case and worked on it on a personal level. I didn’t have to check in often but when I did, it was obvious that he was still working hard. He went out of his way to get facts, evidence, and information that would help my case. When the prosecutor wasn’t doing their job, he made sure that I got the best outcome possible. I would recommend Tim to any of my family and friends with full confidence that they would get a desirable outcome.
Tyler - Avvo Review

“A job well done, Thank you!!”
I hired Darin after my ex abandoned our marriage. Darin put me in touch with a private investigator to serve papers to my ex that I’d filed seven days after she disappeared. No luck there, the P.I. could not find my ex, so Darin prepared me for a default case. Lo and behold, my ex surfaced and had a process server deliver legal papers to me. I emailed copies of the papers to Darin. We had a meeting where we detailed our response. A dispute resolution conference was set, and Darin gave great advice including a settlement proposal. We met with the opposing parties, my ex had hired a lawyer. The conference was a bust since my ex decided to claim a larger settlement, including personal property?! Darin assured me my ex had no valid claim to my personal property since I had gained them before the marriage. Before the next resolution conference, my ex upped her claim to approximately $1300/month for four years plus money from my personal property. She’d made unfounded allegations against me. I think she thought the allegations would be taken seriously even though there was no evidence to support her allegations. This is why she was asking for so much money and my personal property. She had been here in the U.S.A. for only two years and left two days after the approval of her ten year spousal green card.
An alternate resolution conference was set for April. The opposing council asked for an extension of my settlement proposal for $500 a month for one year and money to pay off the vehicle my ex took when she left. A judge pro tem presided over the alternate resolution conference. He asked questions of Darin, I and the opposing party. The process went well. All the advice given to me by Darin proved invaluable. The judge ended the conference when my ex finally accepted the settlement proposal. At the end I shook Darin’s hand for a job well done.
The process of my divorce took ten months and attorney’s fees but in my opinion was worth it to end a failed marriage.
Keith - Avvo Review

“I strongly recommend him to any party seeking outstanding counsel concerning divorce issues “
Darin is a thorough and attentive attorney who truly cared about the process and ultimate result/decision regarding my case. I strongly recommend Darin to any party seeking outstanding counsel concerning divorce issues.