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.
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

“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

“I recommend her fully!”
Juanita Pena was very quick to respond and helped direct me to the resources I needed. I recommend her fully!
Ann MacDonald- Google Review

“They have shown nothing but kindness and concern, and are always a step ahead”
I want to say thank you CHM Lawfirm for helping me get through some legal issues. Tim Hintze recently helped me in a legal case and he did an amazing job and is a magnificent lawyer! I could see that he was very passionate about helping me and had a genuine concern about exposing and fighting the false accusations against me. I would also like to thank Alysa Hudson and Whittney Stricker, who has been helping me in family court in a custody case for my child. They have shown nothing but kindness and concern, and are always a step ahead. I have confidence that they will lead me to a great outcome!
Hilario Serafin - 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

“A lawyer you could have who is the gold standard professional”
Judie Rettelle is a life saver! She’s helped me through navigating family law from court procedures, communication and how to handle difficult situations throughout. She is the most shooting, bulldog of a lawyer you could have who is the gold standard professional, the most knowledgeable and well-rounded lawyer you could have and the best! CHM law as a whole are worth every penny you spend from the paralegals(Whittney you’re amazing) to the courtesy calls and how they manage an already nerve wracking and stressful need to helping you through it all. Truly a law firm worth going back to time and time again!
Brad Bryson - 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

“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

“A true ally and an amazing attorney!”
Jessica Hernandez was awesome! Organized, prompt, and fought for us the whole way! A true ally and an amazing attorney! So happy we chose her to win our case! The entire office was great!!
Jennifer Wilson- 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

“I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate family law attorney.”
I had an exceptional experience with this Family Law Attorney. They handled my child support litigation, contested divorce, and custody & visitation rights with utmost professionalism and expertise. Their guidance through the divorce litigation process was invaluable, and they were incredibly thorough with the modification of court orders. They also assisted me with paternity establishment and drafting a prenuptial agreement, which gave me great peace of mind. The attorney’s approach to property division and spousal support & alimony litigation was fair and meticulous. They were also very supportive during the restraining order litigation, ensuring my safety and well-being. I highly recommend their services to anyone in need of a reliable and compassionate family law attorney.
Alicia Cisneros - Google Review

“He set the right expectations. I am happy with the outcome”
David communicated well and gave me upadates every step of the way answered all questions I had and made me feel comfortable with the process, and he set the right expectations. I am happy with the outcome.
Bailey - Avvo Review

“I still have a clean record to this day.”
One piece of advice for people who are charged with anything in Arizona is to hire a great lawyer because the state does not care if you’re innocent or not. The Arizona legal system will try to ruin your life. A couple of years ago I was the victim of an antisemitic hate crime when a guy named Billy, who had a history of drug and alcohol issues and was thrown out of the Navy for being violent, decided to attack me after drinking all day in Old Town (Sunday funday) over a pointless argument over whether it’s better to buy homes immediately post-recession or during the 10th year of a bull market run which was his argument. The disagreement led to Billy making several anti-semitic comments and assaulting me, which led to me beating up billy. Billy and his friends then went to the police and lied to try to get me thrown in jail for months for assault while getting 10s of thousands of dollars in restitution in the process. I hired David Maletta. We went to court and destroyed Billy and his best friend/roommate Taylor who were trying to extort me and ruin my life. In Arizona there is a 3.5% chance you’ll get all charges dropped because of how hard the state is on crime but we pulled it off and I still have a clean record to this day.
MJ Walsh - Google Review

“Hands down the best attorney for family law!”
Darin is hands down the best attorney for family law! He made me feel heard and validated in my concerns for my daughter during this custody battle and was very up-front about what to expect and what was a likely outcome right off the bat. Communication was constant and timely, even when he couldn’t handle a concern or something going on with the case due to scheduling he pulled the entire firm in to help and get everything done! I’ve never experienced such a friendly, understanding, and caring manner from an attorney before so I will ALWAYS recommend this amazing law firm to anyone who needs it.
Kyla Dawnne- Google Review

“She is the best and I could not have gotten through without her”
I cannot recommend Lauren Bostick and her team enough!!! She is a consummate professional and will work harder than anyone to ensure you achieve your goals through the process. It is truly rare to find a lawyer who is not only highly skilled in the field of law in every sense of the word, but also one who cares about the whole person. She is the best and I could not have gotten through without her.
Anna Mudroch- Google Review

“He wanted the best outcome for me and not to settle just to be done”
I recently went through a divorce, with two children and custody to settle, my lawyer was Darin Colburn and he made the experience as painless as possible for me. Darin listened to my case, listened to my questions, and helped ensure I got a fair settlement. Along the way, I often wanted things to hurry up from my ex, and Darin was patient in reminding me that he wanted the best outcome for me and not to settle just to be done, but to get a fair settlement. From answering my phone calls, and emails and explaining the legal process around divorce I felt that Darin had my best interest at heart and had the experience for me to have a divorce where I was happy with the outcome. I would highly recommend this office and Darin Colburn to anyone looking for a family attorney.
Lindsay Hudson- Google Review

“He know’s how to get really good results”
I had an unfortunate DUI arrest a little over 3 months ago. There were many DUI law firms I found online, and the reviews all seemed to be pretty good. What stood out to me about Timothy’s credentials though, was his sheer expertise in the field. After speaking with his firm during my initial consultation, it was clear to me they all took pride in fighting for their clients and achieved outstanding results. Everything was explained to me in great detail, in an honest and easy to understand way, and all my questions were answered thoroughly. Upon taking him on as my legal representation, he appeared for me in court so that I didn’t have to. Tim also called me periodically to keep me updated on my case. The outcome was a complete dismissal of my DUI case, along with a void of the license suspension which I did not think would ever happen. Those are amazing results… This is a very professional law firm, and Timothy know’s how to get really good results. I would definitely recommend him to anyone who wants somebody that’s truly on their side and will fight for them.
Jonathan - Avvo Review

“Outstanding Family Law Attorney Office”
Outstanding Family Law Attorney Office the team provided exceptional service during a difficult time. Their professionalism, empathy, and expertise in family law were evident from start to finish. They were always responsive and offered clear, practical advice that made navigating my case much easier. I highly recommend them for anyone in need of a trustworthy and skilled family law attorney.
Lisa Carranza - Google 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

“They displayed unparalleled professionalism and expertise throughout my legal matter.”
I had a fantastic experience with Colburn Hintze Maletta PLLC. Their team of attorneys displayed unparalleled professionalism and expertise throughout my legal matter. They were responsive, thorough, and strategic, ensuring I was informed and confident every step of the way. I highly recommend their services for anyone looking for reliable and effective legal representation.
Kai Cenat - Google Review

“He not only fought for me, and he also gave me the confidence”
From the start, working with David Maletta and his team of professionals, I was quickly put at ease. I was accused of a felony charge for speeding. I asked my most trusted professionals who they knew, and David Maletta was their number one choice. David not only fought for me, but he gave me the confidence I needed to worry less about the accusation, allowing me to focus on my home and work life.