Road Rage Assault: A FrizWoods Case Study
Procedural Outcome
Our client was arrested on a felony warrant for an alleged road rage assault involving strangulation charges. FrizWoods secured pretrial release, tracked down a key eyewitness law enforcement had missed, filed pretrial motions that forced dismissals during trial, and won narrow jury instructions that locked the State into its original theory. The jury returned a Not Guilty verdict on all remaining charges.
Problem: Felony Assault and Strangulation Charges After a Road Rage Incident
Our client faced serious legal consequences after being arrested on a felony warrant. The prosecution alleged a road rage assault that included strangulation, a charge carrying significant prison time and a lasting felony record.
The case started in District Court but was escalated to Circuit Court through a criminal information, a procedural move by the State that signaled their intent to pursue the most severe penalties available.
From the start, the odds were stacked against our client. The charges were serious, the State was aggressive, and law enforcement's initial investigation left major gaps that could have gone unnoticed without thorough defense preparation.
Action: Witness Recovery, Pretrial Motions, and Aggressive Jury Trial Advocacy
Securing Pretrial Release
- At the bail review hearing, FrizWoods successfully argued for the client's release from custody, allowing them to assist in their own defense while awaiting trial.
Locating the Missing Eyewitness
- Our independent investigation revealed a critical eyewitness that law enforcement had never interviewed due to investigative oversight.
- The witness had since moved out of the country, but our team coordinated their return for trial, ensuring critical testimony would be heard.
Filing Strategic Pretrial Motions
- We filed a Request for a Bill of Particulars, forcing the State to spell out the exact allegations it planned to prove at trial. This prevented last-minute changes to the prosecution's theory.
- We filed additional motions that led to restrictions on the evidence the State could present, keeping the trial fair and focused.
Trying the Case Before a Jury
- Attorneys Max Frizalone and Luke Woods led the defense at trial.
- At the close of the State's case, several charges were dismissed because the prosecution failed to comply with our pretrial motions.
- We successfully argued for narrow jury instructions, preventing the State from shifting its narrative mid-trial.
- The eyewitness we located delivered testimony that directly contradicted the State's version of events.
Resolution: Full Jury Acquittal
The jury deliberated and returned a Not Guilty verdict on the remaining charge, resulting in:
- No convictions
- No criminal record
- Full exoneration
Our client was completely vindicated. What started as a felony arrest with potential prison time ended with a clean slate, thanks to thorough investigation and an aggressive trial strategy.
Key Takeaway
| Element | Detail |
|---|---|
| Charges | Felony assault with strangulation allegations |
| Court | Maryland District Court (initial), Circuit Court (trial) |
| Key Defense | Bill of Particulars, independent witness investigation, narrow jury instructions |
| Outcome | Mid-trial dismissals on multiple charges, Not Guilty verdict on remaining count |
| Attorneys | Max Frizalone and Luke Woods |
Legal Entities Referenced
- Courts: Maryland District Court, Maryland Circuit Court
- Procedure: Criminal Information, Bill of Particulars, Pretrial Motions, Jury Trial
- Charges: Felony Assault (Maryland Criminal Law Section 3-202), Strangulation (Maryland Criminal Law Section 3-203(c))
- Legal Concepts: Witness investigation, jury instruction strategy, prosecutorial compliance with pretrial orders
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Bill of Particulars and why does it matter?
A Bill of Particulars is a formal legal request that forces the prosecution to specify the exact charges and facts it plans to prove at trial. This prevents last-minute narrative changes and gives the defense a clear target to prepare against. In this case, it was a key tool that led to mid-trial dismissals.
Can a missing witness really change the outcome of a case?
Absolutely. In this case, law enforcement failed to interview a critical eyewitness. Our team's independent investigation not only identified this gap but also brought the witness back from overseas to testify. That testimony was pivotal in securing the acquittal.
How does FrizWoods approach felony assault cases?
We take a hands-on approach: independent investigations, strategic pretrial motions, and aggressive courtroom advocacy. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, and then use that preparation to negotiate from strength or win in front of a jury.
Facing felony assault charges or a case that demands aggressive trial strategy? Contact FrizWoods today for a free consultation. When your freedom is on the line, trust the team that fights until the very end.