Ralph Capitelli, Criminal Defense Attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Entertainment, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatCapitelli & Wicker
New Orleans, LA
Practicing criminal defense in New Orleans since 1972.
- 54+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Ralph Capitelli?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
Ralph Capitelli is a member based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Entertainment, and General. Ralph has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Capitelli & Wicker. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- New Orleans, LA
- Experience
- over 54 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Entertainment · General
- Handles Criminal Defense, Entertainment, and General matters from New Orleans, LA.
- Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Ralph Capitelli: Ralph Capitelli is a member based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Entertainment, and General. Ralph has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Capitelli & Wicker. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Ralph's practice areas in New Orleans
Ralph concentrates on criminal defense, entertainment, general, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Ralph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
View other Criminal Defense attorneys
Entertainment
View other Entertainment attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Litigation
View other Litigation attorneys
Criminal Defense cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Ralph takes criminal defense matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ralph agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Ralph takes entertainment matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ralph agrees to represent you.
General cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Ralph takes general matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ralph agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in New Orleans, Louisiana
Ralph takes litigation matters in New Orleans, Louisiana. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Ralph agrees to represent you.
Biography
Ralph Capitelli, criminal defense attorney serving New Orleans
Ralph Capitelli is a member based in New Orleans, LA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Entertainment, and General. Ralph has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Capitelli & Wicker. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Ralph works from New Orleans, Louisiana and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Ralph Capitelli is a lawyer practicing criminal law, litigation, gaming law and 2 other areas of law. Ralph received a B.S. degree from University of New Orleans in 1969, and has been licensed for 54 years. Ralph practices at Capitelli & Wicker in New Orleans, LA.
Ralph's approach to criminal defense cases
Ralph Capitelli is a lawyer practicing criminal law, litigation, gaming law and 2 other areas of law. Ralph received a B.S. degree from University of New Orleans in 1969, and has been licensed for 54 years. Ralph practices at Capitelli & Wicker in New Orleans, LA.
Clients Ralph works with
Ralph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, entertainment, and general matters in New Orleans and the surrounding Louisiana area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Ralph studied and practices
Loyola University
J.D. · 1972
University of New Orleans
B.S. · 1969
Jurisdictions
Ralph's state bar admissions
Louisiana U.S. Distr
1972 · ACTIVE
Ralph studied at J.D. in Loyola University and B.S. in University of New Orleans.
Law school and academic background
Ralph completed J.D. in Loyola University and B.S. in University of New Orleans. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Ralph runs in Louisiana is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Ralph's legal honors and published work
Ralph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Ralph's professional memberships and bar associations
Louisiana State and American Bar Associations Louisiana District Attorneys Association (President, Louisiana Assistant District Attorneys Section, 1978-1979) Louisiana Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers International Association of Gaming Attorneys
membership
Locations
Ralph Capitelli's office in New Orleans
Ralph's primary office is at 1101 Adams St., New Orleans, LA, 70118. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Ralph Capitelli — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Ralph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in New Orleans.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Ralph Capitelli claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Ralph Capitelli — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Ralph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Ralph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ralph's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Ralph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in New Orleans, Louisiana
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Ralph
Ralph discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Ralph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Ralph's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Ralph Capitelli
How much does it cost to hire Ralph for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Ralph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Ralph offer a free consultation?
Ralph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Ralph's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Ralph's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Louisiana typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Ralph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Ralph take my case if I'm outside New Orleans?
Ralph is licensed in Louisiana. Matters governed by Louisiana law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Ralph will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Ralph?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Ralph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Ralph accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Ralph's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving New Orleans, Baton Rouge and Metairie in Louisiana
Ralph handles criminal defense matters throughout Louisiana. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Louisiana
If Ralph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in New Orleans handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





