Brett Wentz
Founder | Drug Crime Attorney
Brett Wentz has spent over a decade defending clients in New Hanover and Pender Counties against embezzlement and related white-collar crime allegations. He combines a deep understanding of accounting practices with an aggressive motion strategy to challenge audit-report errors, chain-of-custody gaps, and improperly obtained financial records. Whether you’re implicated in an internal corporate audit or a multi-million-dollar public-fund investigation, Brett’s track record includes early dismissals, charge reductions, and acquittals by exposing the flaws in the State’s case.
Employee Embezzlement
Allegations you diverted payroll, skimmed cash receipts, or misapplied company assets? We dissect every ledger entry and point-of-sale record to show innocent explanations or bookkeeping errors.
Corporate Misappropriation
When executives face accusations of diverting corporate profits, we retain forensic accountants to audit intercompany transfers, expense reports, and authorization protocols—revealing where the State’s “loss” calculations went wrong.
Breach of Fiduciary Duty
Officers, trustees, and board members accused of abusing their positions must prove criminal intent. We challenge whether the assets in question were ever held in trust, interpret governing documents, and demonstrate compliance with corporate-governance rules.
Government & Public Official
Misuse of public funds carries severe penalties. We review procurement records, grant ledgers, and legislative reporting requirements to show lawful contracting or accounting misclassification, not criminal theft.
How to Handle an Embezzlement Investigation
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Immediately Contact Counsel
Do not submit to voluntary interviews or sign any waivers without an attorney present. Everything you say can be used to establish intent. -
Preserve All Records
Secure original bank statements, check registers, audit workpapers, emails, and any internal-control documentation. Do not delete or alter files. -
Launch an Independent Audit
We dispatch a private forensic accountant to reconstruct financial flows, often showing that alleged “shortfalls” were timing differences or proper corporate expenses. -
Challenge Unlawful Searches
If agents seized digital devices or office files under an invalid warrant, we file motions to suppress that evidence—and frequently defeat the prosecution’s entire case.
Do I Need an Embezzlement Lawyer?
Short answer: absolutely. Embezzlement convictions can carry felony prison terms, hefty fines, restitution orders, and bans on professional licensure. Even low-loss cases can ruin your career and personal life. A specialized white-collar defense attorney can:
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Expose audit-report defects and misvaluations
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Challenge chain-of-custody and warrant validity
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Negotiate deferred-prosecution or diversion programs for eligible first-time, low-loss offenses
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Prepare expert testimony and mock-jury exercises to highlight reasonable doubt
Can Embezzlement Charges Be Dropped?
Yes—if the prosecution’s theory collapses under scrutiny. Prosecutors must prove you intentionally deprived your employer or fund of assets. If we show that funds were properly authorized loans, reimbursement advances, or misposted corporate expenses, the DA may dismiss rather than risk a weak case at trial. Early intervention is critical—once indictments are filed and discovery closes, dismissal becomes far less likely.
Need Some Guidance?
If you have any further questions about our process for defending financial 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).