Luke Woods — Maryland Criminal Defense Attorney
Luke Woods is a founding partner of FrizWoods LLC and a Maryland criminal defense attorney with more than 20 years of trial experience. A former U.S. Army JAG Corps officer, Department of Justice law clerk, and supervising attorney with the Maryland Office of the Public Defender, Luke has tried over 100 cases and represented thousands of individuals charged with offenses ranging from DUI to murder in District, Circuit, and Juvenile Courts across the state.
Results-Focused Defense Backed by Experience
Since launching FrizWoods in 2022, Luke has represented hundreds of clients in serious criminal matters across District, Circuit, and Juvenile Courts. Alongside Max Frizalone, Luke has helped the firm achieve results including:
- Hundreds of dismissals and acquittals, including in DUI, handgun, domestic violence, and felony cases
- More than 100 trials, litigated aggressively before judges and juries statewide
- Pre-charge resolutions for dozens of clients, avoiding criminal charges entirely
- Expungement relief for clients seeking a clean slate
- Bond hearings and release outcomes for individuals facing immediate detention
Luke is known for his meticulous preparation, strategic courtroom presence, and unshakable confidence under pressure. These qualities continue to deliver results for FrizWoods clients every week in Maryland courtrooms.
Significant Cases
Luke's career spans thousands of cases and more than 100 trials. Below are selected results that reflect the range and depth of his defense work. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
- Murder — Prince George's County — Charges Reduced to Misdemeanor. Client originally charged with homicide. Defense investigation revealed significant credibility issues with the State's key witness. After negotiations with the State's Attorney, charges were reduced to a misdemeanor.
- Second Degree Assault & Reckless Endangerment (Jury Trial) — Prince George's County — Not Guilty. Client facing allegations of a roadside assault and reckless endangerment. Cross-examination of the complainant exposed credibility issues, and legal arguments led to a full acquittal at jury trial.
- First Degree Assault & Firearm Charges — Prince George's County — Dismissed After Release Secured. Client charged with first degree assault and firearm charges. Release was secured at the bail hearing. The State was later forced to dismiss the case for failure to advance it to Circuit Court in a timely manner.
- Possession with Intent to Distribute — Prince George's County — Warrant Recalled & Charges Dismissed. Client facing felony PWID with a long-outstanding warrant. The warrant was recalled and charges were dismissed after the State's Attorney was convinced the case was not viable.
- First Degree Rape — Baltimore City — Dismissed. Defense investigation revealed inconsistencies in the complainant's account and identified an overlooked eyewitness. The State entered nolle prosequi.
For a full list of case outcomes from both Luke and Max Frizalone, visit our Notable Case Results page.
Government & Military Service
Luke's legal career began in public service and his government credentials set him apart from most defense attorneys in Maryland.
- Judge Advocate General's Corps Officer, U.S. Army — Gained early exposure to complex litigation and military legal procedure.
- Law Clerk, U.S. Department of Justice — Federal clerkship providing insight into the prosecution side of the justice system.
- Supervising Attorney, Calvert County Office of the Public Defender — Managed a team of attorneys, coordinated office operations, and maintained an active, high-stakes trial docket for over a decade.
- Maryland Office of the Public Defender — Handled thousands of cases over more than 10 years across multiple jurisdictions.
Full-Spectrum Criminal Defense
Luke has extensive experience at every stage of the criminal process: from bond review and motions hearings to jury trial and post-sentencing litigation. His casework spans a wide range of charges:
- DUI and serious traffic violations
- Drug possession and distribution
- Gun and firearm offenses
- Domestic violence and assault charges
- Sex offenses, robberies, and crimes of violence
- Manslaughter and murder
In addition to traditional litigation, Luke frequently appears in specialty courtrooms, including drug court, mental health dockets, and juvenile transfer hearings. His ability to navigate both trial and post-trial phases, including sentencing mitigation, parole advocacy, and violations of probation, makes him a trusted advocate in even the most complex cases.
Awards & Professional Recognition
- Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys' Association (MCDAA) — Active member. The MCDAA is the principal professional organization for criminal defense lawyers in Maryland.
- U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps — Commissioned officer. Military legal service reflects leadership, discipline, and exposure to high-stakes legal proceedings.
- Martindale-Hubbell Listed — Peer-reviewed attorney profile.
A Litigator You Want in Your Corner
Luke Woods is a courtroom veteran who brings more than two decades of aggressive, strategic advocacy to every case. He is a relentless advocate who never backs down from a challenge, whether he's arguing for a dismissal, cross-examining witnesses, or standing before a jury. Clients choose Luke because they want someone who knows Maryland's court system inside and out, and who knows how to win.
At FrizWoods, Luke continues doing what he does best: fighting for people. One case at a time.
Want to see Luke's results in action? Visit our case results or contact him to schedule a consultation.
Professional Profiles
Bar Admissions
- Maryland
Education
- Northwestern School of Law, Juris Doctorate
- Reed College, Bachelor of Arts
Memberships & Bar Associations
- Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys' Association, Member
- Calvert County Bar Association, Member
- Prince George's County Bar Association, Member