Brett Wentz
Founder | Lead Attorney
Brett Wentz has established a reputation throughout New Hanover and Pender Counties as a preeminent white-collar criminal defense attorney. Over the past decade, he has successfully defended clients charged with a broad spectrum of fraud offenses—ranging from misdemeanor identity theft to complex multi-million-dollar wire and bank fraud investigations. His in-depth knowledge of federal and state fraud statutes, combined with an uncanny ability to identify weaknesses in the prosecution’s financial and electronic evidence, allows him to secure dismissals, reduced charges, or not-guilty verdicts even against seemingly insurmountable cases.
Brett’s defense strategy is methodical and data-driven: he begins by conducting an exhaustive review of financial records, bank statements, and electronic communications to uncover discrepancies and procedural errors. He leverages relationships with forensic accounting experts to challenge the accuracy of purported “paper trails,” and routinely files motions to suppress evidence improperly seized or obtained under flawed search warrants. When negotiations are possible, Brett uses his deep understanding of sentencing guidelines to obtain favorable plea agreements—often persuading prosecutors to recommend probation or diversion programs rather than incarceration. If a case proceeds to trial, Brett’s tenacious cross-examinations of government witnesses and clear presentation of alternate explanations for financial anomalies have consistently persuaded juries to acquit. When facing allegations of fraud, you need a defense lawyer whose experience in uncovering hidden evidence and challenging complex financial narratives can protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Brett Wentz delivers that defense.
Credit Card & Identity Theft
We defend individuals accused of unauthorized use of credit cards, identity theft, or “skimming” schemes. From proving lack of intent to establishing mistaken identity, we challenge every element of the State’s case—whether it’s a local misdemeanor theft or a multi-jurisdictional felony investigation.
WiRe & Bank Fraud Cases
Federal wire fraud charges often carry decades of potential prison time. We dissect bank logs, subpoena source documents, and enlist forensic accountants to cast doubt on the prosecution’s “trail of funds.” Our motion practice frequently leads to suppression of evidence or outright dismissals.
Embezzlement & White-Collar
Whether you’re a corporate employee accused of diverting funds or a small-business owner investigated for misappropriation, we navigate complex financial regulations and contract law defenses to protect our clients. By scrutinizing ledgers, records, and audits, we find inconsistencies that can minimize exposure.
Financial Records & Asset Forfeiture
In fraud investigations, the government often seeks to freeze or seize your assets before trial. We file timely motions under North Carolina’s equitable-sharing statutes and federal frameworks to challenge asset forfeiture, showing legitimate sources of funds and preventing unjust loss of your property.
How to Handle a Domestic Violence Charge in New Hanover and Pender Counties
Being under investigation or charged with fraud—whether it’s a local check-kiting scheme or a federal mail-fraud indictment—is fundamentally different from other criminal offenses. Prosecutors rely on complex financial data, forensic accounting reports, and electronic communications to build a narrative of intent and deception. If you’re notified that the U.S. Attorney’s Office or local DA’s white-collar unit is investigating you, every second matters.
First, do not consent to any interviews without an experienced fraud lawyer present—anything you say can be used to reconstruct your intent. Second, preserve all relevant documents: bank statements, credit card bills, business ledgers, and emails should be secured immediately. Third, do not destroy or alter any financial records; even innocent changes can trigger obstruction charges.
In New Hanover and Pender Counties, local magistrates often impose pretrial release conditions with strict financial monitoring—job requirements, credit-card use restrictions, and third-party custodianships of accounts are common. Our firm’s top priority is negotiating the least restrictive bond conditions and ensuring you can continue working while we build your defense.
Do I Need a Domestic Violence Lawyer?
Short answer: absolutely. Fraud offenses—whether prosecuted at the state or federal level—carry severe penalties, including lengthy prison sentences, heavy fines, and mandatory restitution. Even a first-time misdemeanor identity theft conviction can result in probation conditions that hamper your employment and damage your credit for years.
A skilled fraud attorney can:
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Identify and challenge defects in search warrants or subpoenas for financial records.
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Retain forensic accounting experts to trace alleged “stolen” funds and expose transactional errors.
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Interview whistleblowers or co-workers to uncover alternate explanations for disputed invoices.
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File pretrial motions to suppress evidence improperly obtained through unauthorized wiretaps, flawed audit procedures, or coerced consent.
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Negotiate diversion or pretrial intervention programs (when available) to avoid a permanent criminal record on eligible low-level charges.
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Argue for downward sentencing departures by demonstrating minimal role, lack of prior record, or genuine restitution efforts.
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Pursue asset forfeiture challenges, ensuring you retain ownership of legitimate property used to run your personal or business affairs.
The worst mistake is to wait until the DA or FBI presents an indictment at arraignment. Call Brett Wentz as soon as you learn you’re under investigation—his forensic-driven strategy can often halt prosecutions before they ever file charges.
Can Fraud Charges Get Dropped?
Yes—under certain circumstances, fraud charges can be dismissed before trial. Prosecutors must prove every element of the offense (such as intent to deceive and actual loss) beyond a reasonable doubt. If your attorney uncovers critical issues—like lack of probable cause for searches, inconsistent or exculpatory financial records, or evidence that key witnesses were unreliable—the State may choose to drop charges rather than proceed to trial.
Additionally, pre-charge diversion programs or pretrial intervention agreements may be available for low-level, first-time offenders. By agreeing to restitution, completing a court-approved financial literacy or ethics course, and avoiding any further legal trouble, some defendants secure dismissal of misdemeanor fraud charges upon successful program completion.
However, two caveats apply:
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Victim Wishes Do Not Control the DA’s Decision. If you defrauded a private individual or business—even if that party asks the prosecutor to drop the case—the DA’s office may still proceed. Your attorney must demonstrate legal or evidentiary defects to persuade prosecutors that dismissal is appropriate.
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Timing Is Crucial. The best chance to get charges dropped is early in the process—before discovery is complete and prosecutors have fully analyzed your financial documents. Once the State is confident in its forensic accounting reports and witness statements, dismissals become far less likely.
A skilled fraud defense lawyer will:
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File a Motion to Suppress evidence seized in violation of your Fourth Amendment rights (for example, if the search warrant for your office or electronic devices was overly broad).
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Retain a Forensic Accountant to re-calculate disputed losses, often revealing that alleged “victims” overstated damages or that transactions were legitimate reimbursements.
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Interview Key Witnesses (accountants, business partners, or bank employees) to expose inconsistent testimony or procedural errors in how records were generated.
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Negotiate Restitution and Rehabilitation directly with prosecutors, presenting a detailed plan for making victims whole and completing ethics or compliance training.
With swift action—hiring counsel immediately after learning of an investigation and beginning an independent audit—many fraud clients see their charges reduced or dropped entirely. The sooner you involve an attorney, the stronger your chance of a favorable outcome.
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).