About Edward

Edward Ungvarsky is a criminal defense attorney based in Virginia, where he is the owner of Ungvarsky Law, PLLC. He has been practicing law since 1994, focusing on a variety of criminal law areas including DUI & DWI, appeals and appellate work, cannabis and marijuana law, domestic violence, juvenile law, securities law, and white-collar crime. His experience allows him to navigate complex legal issues effectively within the Virginia judicial system. He earned his Juris Doctor from Yale Law School in 1994, where he concentrated on criminal law, constitutional law, and professional ethics. Prior to that, he received his Bachelor of Arts in Government from Wesleyan University in 1990.

His academic background laid a strong foundation for his legal career, which has included numerous roles in both trial and appellate divisions. Throughout his career, Edward has held various positions that have enriched his expertise in criminal defense. He has served as a supervising lawyer in the Criminal Division and as chief of the Trial Division. His role as a federal judicial law clerk further developed his skills in legal research and writing, which are crucial in appellate cases. He has also been an instructor at the Trial Advocacy Institute, sharing his knowledge with aspiring lawyers.

In addition to his practice, he has been involved in significant roles related to forensic science and capital defense. He served as a federal peer reviewer for forensic science grants and capital defense grants, demonstrating his commitment to improving the quality of legal representation in high-stakes cases. His certifications, including being capital trial qualified and appellate capital qualified, reflect his proficiency in handling serious criminal cases. Edward is an active member of several legal associations, including the Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, where he has taken on leadership roles in various committees. His involvement in these organizations highlights his dedication to advancing the field of criminal defense and advocating for the rights of individuals facing criminal charges.

With a practice that spans multiple jurisdictions, including Virginia, New Jersey, the District of Columbia, and New York, Edward Ungvarsky is well-equipped to address many legal challenges. His comprehensive approach to criminal law ensures that his clients receive informed and effective representation throughout all stages of their cases.

Education

Yale Law School

J.D. (1994) | Criminal Law, Constitutional Law, Professional Ethics and Responsibility

1991

Wesleyan University

B.A. (1990) | Government

1987

Languages

English (Spoken, Written) French (Spoken) Spanish (Spoken)

Experience

Owner/Criminal Defense Lawyer

Ungvarsky Law, PLLC
2018

Supervising Lawyer, Criminal Division

DC Law Students in Court
2018

Adjunct Profesor

Marymount University
2013

Northern Virginia Capital Defender

Northern Virginia Capital Defender Office
2009

Instructor, Trial Advocacy Institute

Harvard Law School
2008

Federal Peer Reviewer - Forensic Science Grants/Capital Defense Grants

National Institute of Justice/Bureau of Justice Assistance
2008

Chief of the Trial Division

Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
2007

Special Counsel to the Director for Forensic Science and Expert Witnesses

Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
2003

Supervising Lawyer, Trial Division

Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
2002

Staff Lawyer, Trial Division

Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
1997

(Appellate) Staff Lawyer

Office of the Appellate Defender
1995

(Appellate) Staff Lawyer

Office of the Appellate Defender
1995

(Appellate) Staff Lawyer

Office of the Appellate Defender
1995

(Appellate and Post-Conviction) Staff Lawyer

Arizona Capital Representation Project
1994

Adjunct Profesor

Arizona State University College of Law
1994

Federal Judicial Law Clerk

Hon. Frank M. Johnson, Jr. 11th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals
1993

Summer Law Clerk

Jenner & Block
1993

Summer Law Clerk

Jenner & Block
1993

Law Clerk

Alabama Capital Representation Resource Center (EJI)
1992

Summer Law Clerk

Akin Gump Hauer & Feld
1992

Summer Law Clerk

National Housing Law Project
1991

Accepted Jurisdictions

Virginia
New Jersey
District of Columbia
Federal Circuit
New York

Court Admissions

Virginia Supreme Court State Supreme Court
New Jersey Superior Court State Trial Court
District of Columbia Superior Court State Trial Court
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit U.S. Circuit Court
New York State Supreme Court State Supreme Court

Types of Cases Handled

Criminal Law DUI & DWI Appeals & Appellate Cannabis & Marijuana Law Domestic Violence Juvenile Law Securities Law White Collar Crime

Legal Services Scope

Trial Appellate

Certifications & Awards

Co-Counsel Capital Trial Qualified

Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

Appellate Capital Qualified

Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

Learned Counsel, Federal Capital Trial

US district court

First-Chair Capital Trial Qualified

Virginia Indigent Defense Commission

Professional Associations

Virginia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

has membership 2018 - Current

DC Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

has membership 2018 - Current

(DC) Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association

has membership 2018 - Current

National Association for Public Defense

has membership 2013 - Current

District of Columbia Bar

has membership 1998 - Current

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board has membership, Chair of Task Force on Forensic Science, Death Penalty Committee Co-Chair, Forensic Science Committee Vice Chair, has membership 1997 - Current

Office Locations

Main Office

 114 North Alfred Street Alexandria VA 22314