Glossary of Legal Terms & Definitions

- Joint and several liability When multiple parties are found liable for an injury and either of them can be held liable to pay the total amount of damages if the other liable party cannot afford to pay.
- Joint Legal Decision Making When neither parent has superior decision-making authority except for things specifically identified by the court or the parents in the final judgment.
- Judge A government official appointed to regulate legal proceedings and decide lawsuits brought before the court.
- Judgment The final determination by the court of each parties’ respective rights and obligations to the other.
- Jurisdiction The geographic area or type of case a court has authority to hear and decide a case on. For example, a bankruptcy case can only be heard in federal bankruptcy court. If a case meets certain criteria, then it can be heard in both state and federal courts. The party initiating the action(...)
- Jury A group of six to twelve people, unless otherwise agreed to, that is sworn to hear and determine the outcome of a case after hearing both sides’ arguments.
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What People Say
Client Testimonials

“He is professional, knowledgeable, and kind”
I am so grateful for the support I received from Tim when I needed it the most. He is professional, knowledgeable, and kind. I felt so much better knowing he was in my corner and fighting for the best possible outcome. He prepared for every scenario and made sure I was protected. I highly recommend this firm.
Audra Johnson - 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

“Exceptional customer service”
Thank you Juanita for your professionalism, knowledge & exceptional customer service. I highly recommend and greatly appreciate it.
LeVonn Vonni Salas - Google Review

“They handled my case very well”
I had a very great experience with Colburn Hintze Maletta PLLC, they handled my case very well and the process was smooth. definitely will be recommending it!
Ezrah Laina - Google 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

“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

“I Highly recommend him for those who need a great attorney “
Darin has been my attorney on a few different matters, over the past five years. He has become like family, as we have communicated he has been known to phone me on his way home, or on the weekend if something comes up. I have always valued Darin for his attention to detail, kindness, and passion for doing “what is right”. I would call Darin time and time again should I need his services. Thank you, Darin, for all you do – I appreciate you!
Karen - Avvo 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

“I appreciate everything more than they will ever know”
Both my attorney Judie Rettelle and paralegal Whitney Stricker made a very difficult situation in my life (a divorce with 2 young children involved) a bit easier with first and foremost, their kindness to me and patience with me. I appreciate everything more than they will ever know. They were also extremely knowledgeable on all fronts and extremely prompt and detailed with their communication. I function the same way, so that really helped a lot. Thank you both again for everything. No one wants to have to go through a divorce, but if it happens, you need someone you can trust and count on – CHM and Judie/Whitney specifically – are those people.
Jennifer kelley - Google Review

“He was my best choice”
During my long divorce I worked with few attorneys, and he was my best choice! He was always prepared, understanding the conflict and all new situations. His hard work and readiness helped me very much during this unpleasant process. He is young, but professional! He is a great attorney! Thank you, Darin.
Kristina Tsonev - Avvo Review

“They took care of me every step of the way.”
CHM really came through for me when I needed it most, they took care of me every step of the way. Jessica Hernandez was amazing, highly recommend using them for your car accident needs.
Marcos Cabanas - Google Review

“She was very helpful”
Juanita Pena was very helpful in answering questions regarding family law. She clarified any concerns we had in a cordial manner.
Juanita Soto - Google Review

“Thankful for the excellent service he provide”
Dave stayed with me while he pushed back and forth with Covid-19 and the delays with the court. Once cited, the state basically decides that your guilty through the automatic suspension of your drivers license. Dave immediately took care of that problem and I never lost the privilege of driving. Dave took notes like crazy and was upfront about our uphill battle. I was also well aware that the plea deal that was given to us, was unacceptable and through Dave’s knowledge and experience I had put my trust in him to guide me to make the right decision on how to proceed. With Daves guidance I had decided that we needed to fight for something better than what the prosecutor was offering and Dave was 100 percent behind me on that decision. We knew the risks, be we also knew we had very little to lose based on the prosecutions stance. We decided to go to trial. I knew and felt that it was a long shot based on some of the information in the police report, but I also knew that it was not true. We met previous to the trial so I could better understand what the process is once we get into the court room. Dave answered may questions and spent a lot of time with me trying to be sure I understood things and what time I needed to be there and what would happen once we got there. We worked together on jury selection on the day of trial and we began the case. Watching the prosecution and then watching Dave was night and day!! Dave brought the case to life, Dave grabbed the attention of the jury, Dave had me staring, listening, watching and not missing a beat when he went to fight for me, his client. He went through his notes through the 2 days of trial and his big book. It was clear that he was completely familiar with the facts of the case, the facts on the incident and the responsibility of the prosecution in areas that they weren’t competent. Dave took steps throughout the 2 days that sometimes had me concerned, but his experience calmed me down, once he educated me on this. It was clear to the jury that we working as team. It was clear to the jury that the prosecution didn’t have their facts straight and were not addressing the facts that they could not address. I was nervous to say the least. There was a lot at stake for my personal life and my work life. I was found NOT GUILTY. Dave won the trial for me. I was not only found not guilty, I was found not guilty on 2 counts. I owe this to Dave to truly bring the facts forward, make the arguments, show his passion and his knowledge of the facts and convince the jury that they had reasonable doubt and could not find me guilty. Dave has some fire in him that will come out in trial and it’s rare to have someone with enough personality to relate to the jury and to his client. I am so thankful that I had Dave Maletta as my attorney. It has taken me over a week to finally let it all soak in after 2 1/2 years of stress.
Gregory - Avvo Review

“The amount of devotion they showed to my case and my situation was amazing”
Words cannot express how thankful and pleased I am with this firm and the professionals they have on staff here. I had the fortune to work with Donald D Colburn Esq, Henry Alzate Esq, and Kimberly Sisk. The amount of devotion they showed to my case and my situation was amazing. My case was very very complicated with a lot of moving parts that were about the Jurisdiction of a Custody battle for my two infant boys. Throughout the case it was clear to me that they were every bit as invested in my case as I was. They were relentless in their pursuit to get the proper venue for the case and were thorough in the preparation of every aspect of the case. This was most impressive especially because of the speed in which events proceeded. Everyone dedicated so much time and effort even working late and through weekends. They worked with me and kept me well informed and explained every aspect and step I did not understand even while I was on the other side of the country. I feel absolutely blessed to have gotten them as my council and would recommend them VEHEMENTLY. They are POTENT firm full of great council and teamwork that you can trust and rely on when you’re fighting for what’s most important to you. Though I hope to never have need of council again I can say with certainty that if I do, I will only call CHM LAW.
Jesse Latourneau - Google Review

“He is an awesome attorney and extremely experienced”
David Maletta was a kind and compashionate attorney. He is an awesome attorney and extremely experienced in all aspects of the law. You won’t be sorry if you choose his firm!
Laura Carolina - Google Review

“He was excellent, Worth Hiring for “
David was excellent at keeping me informed along the route, responding to all of my inquiries and questions, reassuring me that everything was proceeding as planned, and he established reasonable expectations. The conclusion pleased me.
Martin - Avvo Review

“Wonderful & smooth experience”
Want to give a big thanks to Juanita for a wonderful & smooth experience. I highly recommend her. Thank you again CHM team!
Meriam Bolivar- Google Review

“He’s the best!!”
Attorney, Tim Hintze, was a godsend to me!! I truly felt like life was over after I was arrested for Super Extreme DUI. This experience was so devastating for me, and I had no idea what to do. Fortunately for me. Tim, with his outstanding calming and professional demeanor, eased my fears and anxieties, throughout this extremely stressful process. Tim, being so thorough with every issue of the case, from viewing the police cams to interviews with officers, was able to pinpoint major flaws made, unknowingly by officers, which resulted in my charges being greatly reduced! His focus on every detail, of my arrest, helped to secure specific evidence which resulted in my charges of Super Extreme DUI, to Impaired to the slightest degree charge, with no jail time! I will be forever grateful to Tim for his expertise and knowledge, but mainly for his kind, and understanding nature which helped me survive this very stressful process. I highly recommend Attorney Tim Hintze to all who need a most sincere, professional, and highly knowledgeable Attorney! He’s the best!!
Deb - 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

“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!!