For more than a decade, Brett Wentz has defended clients in New Hanover and Pender Counties facing the most serious charges—from first-degree murder to aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. His courtroom record includes multiple jury verdicts of not-guilty in high-profile homicide and attempted murder cases, as well as successful motion practice that led to dismissal of felony charges when prosecutors failed to establish probable cause. Brett’s in-depth knowledge of local law enforcement procedures, combined with his strategic approach to pretrial investigation, distinguishes him from other criminal defense attorneys in southeastern North Carolina.

Brett’s defense strategy begins immediately upon engagement: he dispatches investigators to the scene, interviews all witnesses before statements are influenced, and retains forensic experts to analyze weapons, DNA evidence, and surveillance footage. Whether negotiating with the District Attorney’s Office or presenting a defense before a jury, Brett brings tenacity, creativity, and a deep respect for constitutional protections. When your freedom, reputation, and future hang in the balance, Brett Wentz delivers a defense built on facts, experience, and relentless advocacy.

How to Handle a Violent Crime Charge in New Hanover and Pender Counties

Accusations of violent offenses trigger immediate law-enforcement response and often involve high-stakes investigative techniques—wiretaps, undercover operations, and forensic analyses. If you’re under investigation or arrested, do not speak to detectives or any law-enforcement personnel without an attorney present. Anything you say can be used against you to establish intent or consciousness of guilt.

Next, preserve all evidence that could support your defense: videos from cell phones or doorbell cameras, clothing with potential DNA evidence, and eyewitness contact information. Notify your attorney immediately so an independent investigation can begin before details disappear. In many counties, magistrates issue a 100-mile protective order or no-contact provisions upon arraignment, which can affect your living arrangements and ability to see family. Our priority is securing reasonable bond terms that allow you to return home or reunite with loved ones, rather than being held in jail pending trial.

During the pretrial phase, we target weaknesses in the prosecution’s case—such as unreliable eyewitness identifications, broken chain of custody for weapons, or legally deficient search warrants. We file timely motions for discovery, seek expert forensic testimony to refute government experts, and advise you on minimizing risk factors while awaiting trial. By combining aggressive motion practice with thorough trial preparation, we maximize the chance of acquittal or, at minimum, reduced charges that avoid mandatory minimums.

Do I Need a Lawyer?

Short answer: unequivocally yes. Violent crime convictions can carry decades behind bars, severe fines, and lifelong consequences—loss of gun rights, difficulty securing employment, and lasting damage to your personal relationships. Even if you believe the evidence against you is strong, only a seasoned defense attorney can spot procedural errors, forensic missteps, and constitutional violations that could win your freedom.

A skilled violent-crime attorney will:

• Immediately Invoke Your Right to Remain Silent. Ensuring you do not inadvertently make incriminating statements to law enforcement.

• Conduct an Independent Crime Scene Investigation. Engaging private investigators to recreate timelines, locate hidden witnesses, and document environmental factors that police may have overlooked.

• Challenge Eyewitness Identifications. Working with cognitive-science experts to expose unreliable line-ups, suggestive photo arrays, or cross-racial identification pitfalls.

• Retain Forensic Experts. From ballistics specialists to DNA analysts, we scrutinize government forensic labs and introduce alternative interpretations of evidence.

• File Motions to Suppress Evidence. Identifying unlawful stops, searches, and seizures—be it an invalid traffic stop that uncovered a weapon or an illegally obtained cell-phone warrant.

• Negotiate with Prosecutors. Leveraging weaknesses in the State’s timeline or evidence chain of custody to secure charge reductions or plea deals that avoid mandatory minimums.

• Prepare a Robust Trial Defense. Crafting jury-focused narratives, conducting mock voir dire to uncover biases, and delivering cross-examinations that dismantle the State’s case.

Waiting until your first court appearance is too late. Call Brett Wentz at the earliest sign of a violent crime investigation, and start building a life-or-freedom-saving defense from day one.

Can Violent Crime Charges Be Dropped?

Yes—in rare circumstances. Prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that you committed every element of the crime. If your attorney uncovers fatal flaws—such as an eyewitness who admits to lying, video evidence showing you were mistaken for the actual suspect, or a confession obtained in violation of your Miranda rights—the DA’s Office may opt to dismiss charges to avoid a catastrophic loss at trial.

In some cases, diversion programs may be available for first-time misdemeanor assault charges, which could result in dismissal upon completion of anger-management counseling or community service. However, once a victim’s medical exam confirms serious bodily injury, or if weapons were involved, diversion becomes highly unlikely.

A skilled violent-crime lawyer will:

• File a Motion to Suppress Confessions or Statements obtained without proper advisement of rights.

• Challenge Chain of Custody for Weapons and Physical Evidence—especially when police procedures were flawed or documentation is incomplete.

• Interview Key Witnesses to expose recantations or contradictions that undermine the prosecution’s theory.

• Present Alternative Theories of Self-Defense or Defense of Others supported by forensic and ballistic experts.

• Negotiate Restitution or Rehabilitation where appropriate, such as recommending a pretrial anger-management program in lieu of jail time for qualifying misdemeanors.

Early intervention is critical. The sooner you hire an attorney to investigate and engage with prosecutors, the stronger the chance that charges can be reduced or dropped altogether.

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).