Denise Lunsford Adjunct Professor of Law

Phone: 540-458-8581

Email: dlunsford@wlu.edu

Office: 464 Lewis Hall

Areas of Expertise/Classes Taught

Criminal Law
Criminal Procedure - Investigations
Legal Writing
Fourth Amendment and Technology Seminar

Education

BA, Cleveland State Community College

BS, Middle Tennessee State University

JD, Washington and Lee University

About

Denise Lunsford is an attorney in private practice, based in Charlottesville, Virginia. A 1990 graduate of Washington and Lee University School of Law, she teaches courses in criminal law and legal writing at the school as a member of the adjunct faculty.

Lunsford's practice primarily relates to criminal matters, Title IX complaints, and mental health issues. She represent complainants and respondents in Title IX proceedings from initial complaint through investigation and panel hearings, including representation in related criminal and protective order proceedings. She also represents individuals in Virginia trial courts in criminal matters ranging from driving offenses to murder. Lunsford also assists and advises consumers, family members, community members, and organizations on issues related to mental health, including civil commitment, guardianship, therapeutic docket, and alternatives to incarceration.

Lunsford previously served two terms as the elected Commonwealth's Attorney for Albemarle County, Virginia. She also provided mitigation services to attorneys in state and federal cases as part of the Virginia Mitigation Project, and worked as a commercial litigation associate with a firm in Charlottesville. Lunsford's teaching experience includes courses at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Virginia and as an Adjunct Professor with the Criminal Defense Clinic at the University of Virginia School of Law.