Glossary of Legal Terms & Definitions

- Oath A solemn pledge by someone that a statement is true or that written documents are true/correct.
- Objection A challenge by an attorney of a statement or question made at trial that a judge must decide whether to allow or overrule.
- Opinion The written explanation of the court’s final decision on a case. When multiple judges hear a case, they can write a concurring opinion agreeing with the result or they can write a dissenting opinion disagreeing with it.
- Oral Argument An opportunity for a party or their attorney to appear before the court to present their argument and answer any questions.
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What People Say
Client Testimonials

“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

“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

“They’re great with their communication and very professional”
Amazing legal firm! They’re great with their communication and very professional. They had genuine empathy for my case and was very helpful every step of the way.
Kaycia Clyburn - Google Review

“I’m Very grateful for the wonderful Service “
Very grateful they took care of my request in a timely manner very quickly and efficiently.I would recommend anyone needing family attorney assistance.
BRE - 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

“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

“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

“Super responsive, fun to work with, and knowledgeable”
Lauren and David are simply the best attorneys in Phoenix. Super responsive, fun to work with, and knowledgeable. Consummate professionals.
Christopher Burrow- Google Review

“He is a very fine, experienced, and capable defense attorney”
David Maletta is a very fine, experienced, and capable defense attorney. He successfully defended 2 members of our family in the last 2 years, with very favorable outcomes. He is an excellent communicator who pays attention to detail and explains things well. Despite being a tough adversary in court, he is a kind and caring human being. We highly recommend him.
Stan- Avvo 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

“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

“He is a wonderful lawyer”
David Maletta is a wonderful lawyer. He really went the whole nine yards for my daughter in what could have been a bad situation. I would highly recommend his office for legal representation.
Donna Carolina - Google Review

“This law firm got us the absolute best outcome!”
This law firm got us the absolute best outcome! Jessica Hernandez, who was our attorney, is friendly, professional, and a joy to work with! I highly recommend Colburn Hintze Malleta!
Tanya Fernandez - Google Review

“He made everything so easy and smooth”
I worked with Henry Alzate he was so helpful with my case, made everything so easy and smooth. Was very knowledgeable on what steps I needed to take to get my case transferred from the state of Arizona to Texas. Would recommend him 100 times over to anyone needing help!
Crystal Cox - Google Review

“There is NOBODY I would rather have defending me than David”
I hired David Maletta and it was the best decision of my life. His knowledge, genuine interest, overall attitude, and ability to connect with people is incomparable. I could talk about all of this at length. I COULD do all of that, but that wouldn’t do David justice. He first and foremost demonstrates his interest and genuine care for his client. Being in uncharted territory with a criminal charge and nowhere to turn, David’s presence and personality put all nerves at ease. I went through a jury trial with David beside me. The trial ran for 3 days and I spent a significant amount of time with David one-on-one. During this stressful time, he wanted to hear my input and thoughts on everything. David was incredible from the first day I met him. Not only is he a great attorney, but he is also a great person who cares about people and finding justice for his clients. He connects to the human side of people. I can’t put into words how much David cares about the individual in a case. When it comes to the courtroom, there is NOBODY I would rather have defending me than David.
Jacob - 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 found NOT GUILTY. Dave won the trial for me.”
Dave stayed with me while he pushed back and forth with Covid-19 and the delays with court. Once cited, the state basically decides that you’re 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 Dave’s 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… Watching the prosecution and then watching Dave was night and day!! 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…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.
Gregory - AVVO 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

“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

“His expertise was what made this a smooth ride”
My experience at CHM was the best yet, Darin was an excellent help to my messy custody case from start to finish. His ability to convey complex legal matters in a clear and compassionate manner. His expertise was what made this a smooth ride. I highly recommend CHM to anyone seeking any type of legal assistance.