The Vindictive Ex: A FrizWoods Case Study
Procedural Outcome
Our client faced six separate criminal cases filed by an ex-partner, including assault and multiple protective order violations. FrizWoods secured pretrial release, negotiated the dismissal of four cases, and won back-to-back Not Guilty verdicts at trial on the remaining two. The client walked away with no convictions and no criminal record.
Problem: Six Criminal Cases from a Single False Allegation
Our client was drowning in legal trouble. An ex-partner alleged an assault in a parking lot and then used that claim to obtain a protective order. From there, the complainant filed multiple charges for supposed violations of the order, and law enforcement tacked on two more charges of their own.
By the time FrizWoods was retained, the client was incarcerated and staring down six active criminal cases. A conviction on any one of them could have resulted in jail time, a permanent criminal record, and lasting damage to employment and personal life.
The core issue was clear: a personal vendetta was being weaponized through the Maryland criminal justice system.
Action: Independent Investigation, Strategic Motions, and Back-to-Back Trials
Securing Pretrial Release
- FrizWoods filed a bail review and presented a well-prepared argument for release.
- We identified that two of the alleged protective order violations were actually permitted under the existing terms of the order.
- After a contested hearing, our client was released from custody.
Exposing the Complainant's Credibility Issues
- Our team launched an independent investigation, scrutinizing every statement made by the complainant.
- We gathered evidence that directly contradicted key elements of the allegations.
- Inconsistencies in the complainant's accounts became the centerpiece of our defense strategy.
Negotiating Dismissals
- Armed with the credibility evidence, we pushed the prosecution to reevaluate the strength of the case.
- Four of the six cases were dismissed before trial.
Winning at Trial
- The two remaining charges, assault and a protective order violation, went to back-to-back District Court trials.
- Through focused cross-examination and strategic presentation of evidence, both trials ended in Not Guilty verdicts.
- Specifically we were able to exclude most of the evidence from the second trial using Maryland Evdience Rule 5-1004, also known as the "best evidence rule".
The State sought to enter photos of alleged incriminating letters from our client; however, they had the originals in their possesion and failed to secure them for trial.
Resolution: Complete Vindication
The client walked away from all six cases with:
- No convictions
- No criminal record
- Full acquittal on every charge that went to trial
What started as a devastating situation turned into a complete legal victory. The complainant's attempt to misuse the protective order system was exposed, and our client's future was preserved.
Key Takeaway
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Charges | Six criminal cases: assault and multiple protective order violations |
| Court | Maryland District Court |
| Key Defense | Independent investigation, credibility challenges, bail review, "best evidence rule" |
| Outcome | Four dismissals, two Not Guilty verdicts, no criminal record |
| Attorney | Max Frizalone |
Legal Entities Referenced
- Court: Maryland District Court
- Charges: Second Degree Assault (Maryland Criminal Law Section 3-203), Violation of Protective Order (Maryland Criminal Law Section 3-1508)
- Procedure: Bail Review Hearing, Pretrial Motions
- Legal Concepts: Witness credibility, false accusations defense, protective order terms and compliance
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if someone files false criminal charges against me?
False charges can be challenged through independent investigations, pretrial motions, and aggressive trial strategy. At FrizWoods, we specialize in exposing inconsistencies in a complainant's story and building a defense that holds the State accountable for the quality of its evidence.
Can protective orders be misused?
Unfortunately, yes. Protective orders are sometimes exploited in personal disputes. However, a violation can only occur if the specific terms of the order are actually broken. In this case, we proved that our client's actions fell within the boundaries of the order, leading to dismissal of those charges.
How important is witness credibility in a criminal case?
It is one of the most important factors. Judges and juries weigh whether a witness is consistent, reliable, and truthful. By casting serious doubt on the complainant's honesty, we weakened the prosecution's position and secured favorable verdicts across every remaining charge.
Facing false accusations or complex charges involving protective orders? Contact FrizWoods today for a free consultation. We fight for your future because everyone deserves a fair defense.