Brett Wentz
Founder | Theft Crime Attorney
Brett Wentz has spent the past decade defending clients accused of theft-related offenses throughout New Hanover and Pender Counties. From simple shoplifting citations to complex, multi-defendant grand larceny investigations, he has secured dismissals, reduced charges, and not-guilty verdicts by identifying procedural errors, challenging eyewitness identifications, and exposing flaws in the State’s evidence. His intimate knowledge of local prosecutors and magistrates, combined with a forensic-driven approach to property-crime investigations, gives clients facing theft allegations the strategic advantage they need.
Before founding Wentz Law, Brett successfully represented clients in high-profile retail-theft ring cases, persuading the court to suppress surveillance evidence obtained through an overly broad search warrant. In another landmark matter, he convinced prosecutors to dismiss felony embezzlement charges when internal business‐audit reports showed the alleged “shortfall” was caused by accounting errors, not intentional theft. Brett’s defense begins the moment you call: he dispatches investigators to interview all witnesses, subpoena detailed inventory and asset records, and, when necessary, retains forensic accountants to dissect complex financial or stock-inventory systems. When you need a theft crime attorney who knows how to dismantle the prosecution’s narrative, Brett Wentz delivers that defense.
Shoplifting & Misdemeanor Larceny
Retail theft under $1,000 is a Class 3 misdemeanor in North Carolina, punishable by up to 20 days in jail and fines. We challenge whether you had intent to permanently deprive the merchant—often exposing gaps in security-camera time stamps, employee‐theft policies, or receipt-verification procedures.
Felony Larceny & Grand Theft
Theft over $1,000 is a felony, carrying potential prison sentences of up to eight months (Class H) or longer for higher-value property. We investigate valuation methods, dispute purported “replacement cost” figures, and question the chain of custody for all off the recovered items.
Burglary, Breaking & Entering
Entering any structure (home, vehicle, business) with intent to commit a theft is burglary, which can range from Class H to Class C felonies based on whether the dwelling was occupied. We scrutinize the evidence of “entry” and intent—challenging whether doors were locked or whether you were legally present.
Possession of Stolen Property
Being found with stolen goods—even if you claim you didn’t know they were stolen—can lead to felony charges. We probe how law enforcement linked the items to the crime, whether serial numbers matched property‐records databases, and whether officers followed proper identification protocols.
How to Handle a Theft Charge in New Hanover and Pender Counties
If you’re under investigation for theft, do not speak to law enforcement without an attorney present—anything you say can be used to establish intent or guilt. Preserve any documentation showing your lawful ownership or permission to possess the property (receipts, emails, loan agreements). Don’t alter or delete images from your phone or computer that may show your side of the story.
Once you call our office, we’ll immediately:
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Dispatch investigators to interview witnesses before statements become “influenced.”
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Subpoena all surveillance footage, audit logs, and chain-of-custody records.
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Retain experts (forensic accountants, property-appraisal specialists) if the case involves high-value goods or complex financial records.
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File timely motions to suppress evidence obtained through unlawful searches or seizures—often crippling the prosecution’s case before trial.
Do I Need a Lawyer?
Short answer: absolutely. Even a first-time misdemeanor shoplifting conviction can lead to probation, community service, and a permanent record that affects employment and housing. Felony theft convictions carry mandatory prison exposure, significant fines, and restitution orders—sometimes pushing defendants into debt they cannot overcome.
A skilled attorney will:
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Challenge the legality of traffic stops, consent-less searches, or improperly executed warrants.
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Expose misvaluations and accounting errors that inflate the prosecution’s claimed losses.
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Demonstrate lack of criminal intent—especially in cases of mistaken identity or unauthorized borrowing.
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Negotiate diversion or deferred-prosecution agreements for eligible first-time offenders.
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Prepare for trial with comprehensive witness preparation, reliable expert testimony, and mock-jury exercises to anticipate prosecution themes
Can Drug Charges Get Dropped?
Yes—under certain circumstances, theft charges can be dismissed before trial. Prosecutors must prove that you knowingly and intentionally stole property. If we uncover that law enforcement lacked probable cause for the initial stop, that surveillance footage was obtained without a warrant, or that key witnesses are unreliable, the DA’s Office may elect to drop the charges to avoid a weak case at trial.
North Carolina also offers deferred prosecution and diversion programs for first-time, nonviolent offenders—completing community service, restitution, and counseling can lead to outright dismissal of misdemeanor theft charges. However, these options narrow significantly once charges are filed and discovery concludes.
Need Some Guidance?
If you have any further questions about our process for defending theft 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).