Glossary of Legal Terms & Definitions

- U.S. Attorney (federal prosecutor) A federal government attorney appointed by the President of the United States in each judicial district to prosecute and defend cases for the federal government.
- U.S. Marshal (bailiff) A federal law enforcement officer that enforces the rules of behavior in federal courtrooms.
- Uphold (affirm) A term used when an appellate court chooses not to reverse a lower court’s decision.
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What People Say
Client Testimonials

“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

“He demonstrates a high level of confidence through his genuine attempt to do what is best for his client.”
To put my trust in someone to protect and defend me, who I never knew, was a tremendous leap to take. From the beginning of our interaction and throughout this process, Tim demonstrated credibility. He is methodical: and follows through on his initial commitment to turn over every stone. He is systematic: he plans and organizes his strategy, by not only following the rule of law but keeping me informed on outcomes and next steps in the process while providing objective, realistic advice. He is strategic: he directs his interrogations and arguments by reviewing data, and preparing for and adapting to circumstances within the trial. He demonstrates a high level of confidence through his genuine attempt to do what is best for his client.
Diane - Avvo 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 was very thorough and professional all the way through”
Dave Maletta Attorney represented me in a legal matter and he did an excellent job. He was very thorough and professional all the way through. I would highly recommend his services and his firm. He and his firm did an excellent job apprising me every step of the way about what to do what to expect and the legal process. I very much appreciate his help and I would recommend his services and his firm very strongly as I feel I received a high value for the legal services I requested.
Roger Donohue - Google Review

“She would be the one to call, and I highly recommend her”
Juanita assisted me with two important life matters- a divorce and a will. She is extremely patient, and kind and offers important advice. If I need her again I would not hesitate for one second. She would be the one to call, and I highly recommend her.
Tiffany Pless - 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

“She is truly a phenomenal attorney”
Lauren handled my family law case. She is truly a phenomenal attorney. She is extremely knowledgeable about all laws. She is attentive and never missed a single detail. While working on my case, she was thorough and always kept in contact with me to keep me informed on the status of my case. She ensured our safety and achieved the absolute best possible outcome for my case. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone seeking a family law attorney. Lauren has the utmost integrity and she is a true asset to her profession.
Taylor fava- 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

“She is a fierce advocate who will fight to protect you”
Lauren Bostick is an extremely skilled, competent, and compassionate attorney! She is a fierce advocate who will fight to protect you, your family, and your rights! I could not have picked a better attorney and highly recommend her for any family law matters. Her exceptional work deserves commendation.
jydiaz30 - Google Review

“They had very clear understanding with great patience”
I love the customer service. They really take their time to provide knowledge and a very clear understanding with great patience.
Monica Scott - 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

“I couldn’t be happier with their service.”
I hired CHM a day before I left out of state for my son’s wedding. I had been in a terrible car accident the night before I left and had no car, no help and no idea what to do after the accident. The legal team took care of everything for me. From my property damage to helping me get a new car. I couldn’t be happier with their service.
Jane Anderson - 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 for us during our time of need was outstanding. Thank you so much for your help and for truly caring.
Kasey - Google Review

“Their service was by far the best! Couldn’t be happier”
Their service was by far the best! Couldn’t be happier, This firm had me at ease and with full confidence, took much of stress off. Can’t help to mention but thanks to Juanita for your patience with me.
Hose B - 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

“He was amazing every step of the way. Super friendly and professional”
I was extremely happy with having David Maletta represent me. He is one hell of a guy! He was amazing every step of the way. Super friendly and professional. Having him on my side made all the difference in the world. I couldn’t have asked for a better outcome. I recommend him to anyone who is going through a legal struggle. Thank you for all of your hard work!
Chase - 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

“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

“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

“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.