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Neill was born and raised in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Bedford County, Virginia. Following graduation from Washington and Lee University with a BA in Politics, he worked as an emergency services caseworker for Catholic Social Services in Mobile, Alabama. In this position, Neill discovered his love for advocacy…helping clients to overcome difficulties which often seemed insurmountable, and decided to pursue a career in law.
Neill attended law school at the University of Kentucky, College of Law, where he graduated with his law degree in 2003. During law school he clerked for the City of Lexington, Kentucky working in the Law Department, as well as the Planning and Zoning Department, where he became well versed in all facets of land use law and municipal law.
During his first three years as an attorney, Neill worked as a prosecutor in Lexington, Kentucky. As a prosecutor, Neill managed a large docket, and gained valuable trial experience. He became adept at the fundamentals of putting on a prima facie case, developed a mastery of evidence, and excelled at the art of argumentation and persuasion.
In 2006 Neill joined the Marine Corps, receiving his commission after 10 weeks of Officer Candidate School. During more than eight years as an active duty judge advocate, Neill served in many exciting positions. He deployed to Ramadi, Iraq with 6th Marine Regiment. He worked for a Navy Command as a military Prosecutor. His favorite billet was serving as a Military Defense Counsel at Camp Lejeune. As a Defense Counsel he represented more than 200 Marines and sailors facing court martial or administrative separation.
Neill left active duty in the summer of 2015 and currently lives with his wife and two young sons in Lexington, Virginia, where he opened his own law practice dedicated to serving clients in city of Lexington as well as the counties of Rockbridge, Bedford, Botetourt, Amherst and Alleghany.
In his free time Neill enjoys spending time in the outdoors with his family. He is a congregant at Saint Patrick’s Catholic Church in Lexington.
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Chat withState: Virginia
Acquired: 2004
No misconduct found
State: Kentucky
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
14 East Nelson Street, Suite 102A, Lexington, VA, 24450-2230
4714 Forest Rd., Bedford, VA, 24523
36 Client Reviews
Showing 11 - 15 of 36 reviews
Posted by Doug | March 10, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
best possible experience
While traveling on I-81 in Rockbridge county, I received a speeding ticket (93/70). The speedometer calibration test that Neill suggested resulted in a drop from 93mph to 90mph. By following this and other advice from him, I was able to get the best possible outcome. The reason I fully recommend N...
Posted by Mike | September 04, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Responsive, honest, and effective
I received a speeding ticket in Rockbridge County, VA last summer, 92 in a 70. Being from out of state I didn’t realize the significance of the reckless driving charge. When I got back home, I started researching and calling lawyers. A lot of attorneys I came across invested in a lot of marketing and...
Posted by anonymous | June 26, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Very Helpful and Proactive - Possession with Intent case
I am from out of state and was charged with 7 counts of possession with intent to distribute in Buena Vista, VA. Neill was extremely helpful and responsive throughout the entire case. He worked with me on answering the many questions I had regarding the case as well as many other extraneous details...
Posted by Eric | June 10, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
failure to maintain control
Neil explained to me what my options were in from best case to worst case scenario. He also told me what was likely to happen from his experience. He then went to court for me and fought for me Ultimately he got me a outcome i can live with better than expected that will result in a dismissal.
Posted by Ismael | January 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Reckless driving
My lawyer from the start gave me options to help me reduce my chances of getting jail time in Virginia for reckless driving is considered a felony in that state. He was honest once the court date came and argued in my defense. He was very clear and determined in arguing in my matter and I got the cha...
"Neill is a dependable, hardworking lawyer who takes a personal interest in his clients and making sure he achieves the best results possible. We have worked together on several matters and he always produces great results. My highest recommendation!"
"Neill Wente is the kind of attorney who can see the big picture all at once and who NEVER gives up! He doesn't care what it takes to get it done for you, he'll do it. Laid back but super smart, you can't go wrong with Neill!"
Consumer protection lawyer
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top Contributor Award, AVVO
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2015
Nave and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, United States Marine Corps
2010
Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, United States Marine Corps
2009
Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, United States Marine Corps
2009
Iraq Campaign Medal, United States Marine Corps
2008
Continuing Legal Education Award, Kentucky Bar Association
2015 - Present
Principal, Neill Wente, Attorney at Law
2014 - 2015
Prosecutor, Navy Region Mid-Atlantic, United States Marine Corps
2011 - 2014
Assistant Staff Judge Advocate, MARFORCOM, United States Marine Corps
2009 - 2011
Defense Counsel, United States Marine Corps
2008 - 2009
Deputy Regimental Judge Advocate, RCT-6, United States Marine Corps
2006 - 2015
Judge Advocate, United States Marine Corps
2004 - 2006
Prosecutor, Lexington/Fayette Kentucky
2003 - 2003
Law Clerk/Legal Department, Lexington/Fayette Kentucky
2002 - 2003
Law clerk/ Zoning Department, Lexington/Fayette Kentucky
2015 - Present
Lexington Bar AssociationMember
2004 - Present
Virginia State BarMember
2003 - Present
Kentucky Bar AssociationMember
Reduced to midemeanor based on case law prohibiting one of the prior DUI convictions from out of state from being used to elevate this DUI to a felony.
2012
2011
2010
2008
2007
2007
2003
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2014
Processing Officer Misconduct
2014
Administrative Separations Processing
2012
Law of War and Rules of Engagement
2009
Rules of Engagment and the Law of War
English
Legal Answers
Am I required to attend Federal Court if I am going to be on military orders?
04 Jun 2018
Do a 46.2-888 improper stopping on the highway carry points? The officer told me it didn't.
07 Jun 2018
Should I obtain a lawyer for RD-Generally-MISD court hearing summons giving to me by police officer after an accident?
04 Jun 2018