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Louisiana College Student Defense Attorneys

A single incident during college can follow you long after graduation. What may feel like a mistake or misunderstanding can quickly turn into a criminal charge that affects your record, your education, and your future opportunities.

At Capitelli & Wicker, we represent college students facing criminal charges with a focused and forward-looking approach. We step in early, assess the situation carefully, and build a defense strategy focused on protecting your rights and addressing potential long-term consequences.

Your Future Deserves a Strong Defense. Talk to Us Today.

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What Our Clients Say

“Brian Capitelli has helped me through my journey for what I needed to get taken care of! He was on target with everything and handled everything in a professional way! Highly recommend this team for your needs!”

– Brandon K.

“Capitelli & Wicker attorneys are knowledgeable in their area of expertise. The support staff is also professional, courteous, and efficient. The entire organization works in the best interest of their clients. Stellar professional legal services!”

– Patricia G.

“Brian Capitelli is a rock star !  Highly recommend him, he doesn’t miss anything and knows how to get results!”

– Roger S.

“Great experience with this legal team, they were extremely helpful and professional through my entire process. Extremely grateful for the services provided by this team!”

– Michael M.

“Mr. Brian went above and beyond anything I could have ever hoped for. He will tell you the truth, and he will utilize his experience as a seasoned attorney to find the best approach to handle the situation and achieve the best possible outcome. If you are looking for the best, you found it. I’m forever grateful for making the call when I did.”

– Semper F.

Understanding Criminal Charges for College Students in Louisiana

College students can face a range of charges, often arising from situations that escalate quickly. What begins as a campus issue can become a criminal case, sometimes without much warning.

Common situations may involve:

  • Alcohol-related offenses, including underage drinking or DWI
  • Drug possession or distribution allegations
  • Assault or physical altercations
  • Theft or property-related charges
  • Criminal allegations that may also involve campus disciplinary or Title IX proceedings

In many cases, students are dealing with two processes at once, the criminal system and the school’s disciplinary system. Each has its own consequences, and what happens in one can affect the other.

What Is at Risk Beyond the Charge

For college students, the consequences are not limited to fines or court appearances. A criminal charge can affect:

  • Academic standing, including potential disciplinary action, suspension, or expulsion
  • Scholarships or financial aid depending on the circumstances and applicable school or program requirements
  • Future employment or professional opportunities, particularly when background checks are required
  • Graduate or professional school applications, depending on the institution and program

These consequences can begin quickly and may continue long after the case is resolved. Having a criminal defense attorney involved early can help you navigate both, protect your rights, and manage how the case unfolds.

What College Students Should Do After an Arrest or Criminal Charge

If you are arrested, cited, or accused of a crime while in college, what you do next can matter. Avoid discussing the details of the incident with other students or posting about it on social media. If law enforcement or school officials want to question you about the incident, consider speaking with a criminal defense attorney before providing a statement.

You should also pay attention to any notices, deadlines, or disciplinary proceedings from your school. A criminal case and a university disciplinary or Title IX proceeding may move forward separately, sometimes at the same time.

Getting legal guidance early can help you understand how the criminal case and any related school proceedings may interact and what steps you should consider taking to protect your rights, education, and future opportunities.

How Student Cases in Louisiana Are Built and Challenged

Many student-related cases in Louisiana are built quickly, often based on initial reports, campus security involvement, or witness statements. In some situations, decisions are made before all facts are fully understood.

Our role is to carefully examine the process, the evidence, and what actually happened.

We focus on:

  • How the incident was reported and documented
  • Whether assumptions were made early in the case
  • The accuracy of statements and witness accounts
  • Any involvement of campus authorities or disciplinary actions
  • Whether your rights were protected during the process

These cases often involve more nuance than they first appear. A careful review can change how the situation is understood.

Why Choose Capitelli & Wicker for College Student Defense?

  • We focus on what happens next – This is not just about the charge. We look at how this affects your education, your record, and your future opportunities.
  • We step in early, before things escalate – Acting early can provide more opportunities to address important issues as the case develops.
  • We handle complex, fact-sensitive cases – Student cases often involve more than one side of the story, and we take the time to understand the full context.
  • You work directly with experienced attorneys – Your case is not handed off. You have direct access to a team that is actively involved.
  • We guide both students and families – We help you understand what is happening, what to expect, and how to move forward.
  • We focus on outcomes, not assumptions – Every step is taken with your long-term position in mind. Your defense starts with the right call. Schedule a consultation today!
Get Started With Your Defense

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Even if an incident happens at school, it can still be handled in the criminal system, not just by the university.

It depends. A school may learn about an arrest or criminal charge through law enforcement, campus authorities, required student disclosures, or other sources. Whether the school takes disciplinary action depends on its policies and the circumstances involved.

Yes. A criminal case and a school disciplinary or Title IX proceeding are separate processes with different rules and potential consequences. Information or decisions made in one process may also affect the other.

An arrest, criminal charge, or conviction may create records that can affect employment, internships, professional licensing, or educational opportunities. The impact depends on the outcome of the case and the circumstances involved.

In some situations, charges may be reduced or dismissed depending on the facts, available evidence, applicable law, and circumstances of the case.

Avoid discussing the details of the incident with law enforcement, school officials, other students, or on social media before seeking legal advice. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to understand your rights and next steps.

Yes. Louisiana law establishes different time limits for instituting prosecution depending on the type and severity of the offense. Certain circumstances may also affect those time limits.

Areas Served

  • Baton Rouge
  • Belle Chase
  • Covington
  • Gonzales
  • Hammond
  • Houma
  • Jefferson Parish
  • Kenner
  • Lafayette
  • Laplace
  • Luling
  • Mandeville
  • Marrero
  • Metairie
  • New Orleans
  • Orleans Parish
  • Plaquemines Parish
  • Slidell
  • St. Bernard Parish
  • St. Charles Parish
  • St. James Parish
  • St. John the Baptist Parish
  • St. Tammany Parish
  • Tangipahoa Parish
  • Thibodaux
  • Washington Parish
  • Baton Rouge
  • Belle Chase
  • Covington
  • Gonzales
  • Hammond
  • Houma
  • Jefferson Parish
  • Kenner
  • Lafayette
  • Laplace
  • Luling
  • Mandeville
  • Marrero
  • Metairie
  • New Orleans
  • Orleans Parish
  • Plaquemines Parish
  • Slidell
  • St. Bernard Parish
  • St. Charles Parish
  • St. James Parish
  • St. John the Baptist Parish
  • St. Tammany Parish
  • Tangipahoa Parish
  • Thibodaux
  • Washington Parish

Let’s Get Started On Your College Student Defense Today

This is a moment that needs clarity, not guesswork. The decisions you make now can affect your record, your education, and what comes next. At Capitelli & Wicker, we help you understand the situation and take informed steps early.We look at what actually happened, what is at risk, and how to move forward with a clear plan.

Contact us today at 504-582-2425Schedule your consultation online today