For over a decade, Brett Wentz has defended individuals charged with drug offenses in New Hanover and Pender Counties, from simple possession to complex trafficking investigations. His record includes numerous case dismissals when law enforcement misapplied search-and-seizure rules, as well as acquittals in jury trials where prosecutors failed to establish intent to distribute. Brett’s thorough knowledge of North Carolina drug statutes and local policing patterns gives his clients a clear advantage—whether it’s challenging an invalid traffic stop, suppressing improperly obtained evidence, or negotiating a diversion agreement for qualifying first-time offenders.

Brett’s approach to drug crimes is proactive: the moment he takes a case, he dispatches investigators to identify witnesses, reviews dispatch logs, and examines every aspect of police procedure. He also retains forensic chemists to verify lab testing methods and illicit-substance identification. Whether negotiating with the DA or presenting a defense before a jury, Brett combines technical expertise with courtroom tenacity. When your liberty and future are at stake, you need a drug crime attorney who knows the science, the law, and how to challenge every element of the State’s case. Brett Wentz delivers that defense.

How to Handle a Drug Charge in New Hanover and Pender Counties

Drug crime investigations often begin with a routine traffic stop, a consent-less vehicle search, or a residential search warrant. If you’re stopped by law enforcement, do not consent to a vehicle search or answer incriminating questions without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used to establish intent.

If officers seize drugs, request an attorney immediately and do not sign any paperwork until you consult counsel. Preserve any evidence that supports lawful use—prescriptions, medical-necessity records, or proof of invalid search methods. In many drug cases, a single motion (such as motion to suppress) can undermine the entire prosecution if evidence was obtained illegally.

Our priority is to secure reasonable bond conditions that allow you to continue working, attending school, or caring for family members. We then conduct an independent investigation: reviewing dispatch logs, obtaining body-camera footage, interviewing all witnesses before the State does, and retaining certified forensic experts to test drug evidence. By combining aggressive pretrial motions with detailed trial preparation, we maximize the chance of an early dismissal, reduction to a misdemeanor, or not-guilty verdict at trial.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

Short answer: absolutely. Drug convictions can carry mandatory minimum sentences, hefty fines, and long-term collateral consequences—like ineligibility for student aid, professional licensing restrictions, and difficulty finding employment or housing. Even a first-time possession charge can lead to deferred prosecution programs, but only if handled properly.

A skilled drug-crime attorney will:

• Challenge the Legality of the Search or Seizure, filing motions to suppress evidence obtained without probable cause or with an invalid warrant.

• Retain Forensic Chemists to confirm the substance’s identity and whether law enforcement followed proper chain-of-custody and testing protocols.

• Investigate Confidential Informants, exposing unreliable or incentivized sources used to arrange buy-bust operations or controlled purchases.

• Negotiate Diversion or Pretrial Intervention for eligible first-time offenders, reducing charges to non-recordable infractions upon completion of drug-education or treatment programs.

• Argue for a Sentence Modification, pointing to minimal role, lack of prior convictions, or successful compliance with treatment to avoid mandatory prison terms.

Waiting until your arraignment is too late. Call Brett Wentz the moment you learn you’re under investigation—his forensic and procedural strategies can often prevent formal charges from ever being filed.

Can Drug Charges Get Dropped?

Yes—under certain circumstances, drug charges can be dismissed before trial. Prosecutors must establish that the seized substance is a controlled substance and that they lawfully obtained it. If your attorney shows that the initial traffic stop lacked reasonable suspicion, that the warrant was overly broad, or that lab tests were flawed, the DA’s Office may choose to drop the case rather than proceed.

Many counties, including New Hanover, offer pretrial diversion programs for first-time, nonviolent drug offenders. By completing drug-treatment courses, community service, and compliance check-ins, eligible defendants can secure outright dismissals. However, diversion eligibility is limited once formal charges are filed and discovery has begun.

A skilled drug-crime lawyer will:

• File a Motion to Suppress based on Fourth Amendment violations (illegal stops, invalid warrants, or unlawful searches).

• Retain Independent Lab Experts to review state lab protocols, verifying whether the substance testing met required forensic standards.

• Interview All Witnesses Early, often uncovering recantations or inconsistencies in undercover officer testimony.

• Negotiate Diversion with the DA’s Office by presenting mitigating evidence—such as voluntary enrollment in a treatment program and lack of prior record—demonstrating rehabilitation potential.

Early retention of counsel is crucial. The sooner you challenge the evidence, the higher your chance of having charges reduced or dropped entirely.

Need Some Guidance?

If you have any further questions about our process for defending violent crimes (have a look at our FAQs) or need something case specific, feel free to reach out. I am always happy to review a case and give you honest feedback on where you stand and how it should be addressed. I handle cases out of the following North Carolina areas: All of Pender County (Hampstead, Topsail, Burgaw, Surf City, Atkinson) and New Hanover (Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, Carolina Beach, Ogden, Monkey Junction).