Auburn University Student Legal Advisory Plan

Addressing the Hidden Legal Risks Facing Auburn University Students

Every year, many Auburn University students find their academic futures suddenly at risk. Not because they failed an exam or missed too many classes, but because they faced unexpected legal challenges they weren’t prepared to handle.

The phone call no parent wants to receive: your child is facing a Title IX investigation. Your son or daughter has been cited for underage drinking. Your student is being called to a disciplinary hearing for something that happened at a party. These situations arise suddenly and without warning, often leaving students disoriented, confused, and making big mistakes in those first critical hours.

For out-of-state parents, these moments are particularly concerning. Your child is hundreds of miles away, navigating complex university procedures and potential legal consequences without guidance. By the time most families secure legal representation, students have already made statements, attended meetings, or signed documents that could severely limit their options.

The consequences of Title IX violations can be severe and long-lasting and may include:

• Academic probation or suspension that derails educational progress
• Loss of scholarships worth tens of thousands of dollars
• Permanent disciplinary records that follow students to graduate school applications
• Potential criminal charges that impact future employment opportunities
• Housing reassignments that disrupt academic and social stability

These situations could be prevented or minimized with early legal guidance. The difference between contacting an attorney at the first sign of trouble versus waiting until formal charges are filed can be the difference between a warning and a permanent record.

A Preventive Approach to Student Legal Protection

As an attorney who has represented countless Auburn students in Title IX proceedings, student conduct hearings, and criminal matters, I’ve witnessed firsthand how early legal intervention can dramatically change outcomes. This experience has led me to develop a new approach to student legal representation.

I’m Artie Vaughn, and after years of helping students navigate the complex legal landscape at Auburn University, I’ve created the Student Legal Advisory Plan. Instead of waiting for a crisis to occur, this proactive service provides Auburn University students with immediate access to experienced legal counsel from day one.

The concept is simple but powerful: give students access to legal guidance before problems escalate into formal charges or investigations. This preventive approach has helped many students avoid the life-altering consequences that can result from mishandling early interactions with university officials or law enforcement.

Why Preventive Legal Counsel Matters for College Students

The college years represent a unique period of independence, growth, and vulnerability. Auburn University students face a complicated landscape of legal risks that many aren’t prepared to navigate, such as:

• Student conduct violations that seem minor can have lasting consequences.
• Title IX allegations can quickly escalate without proper guidance.
• Law enforcement interactions that students often mishandle without legal knowledge
• Academic integrity issues that can threaten scholarships and future opportunities
• Housing disputes that can create unexpected legal complications

What makes these situations particularly challenging is that most students have never dealt with legal matters before. They don’t know their rights, don’t understand the procedures, and often make critical mistakes in those first important hours after an incident occurs.

How the Student Legal Advisory Plan Works

The Student Legal Advisory Plan operates on a simple premise: provide students with immediate access to experienced legal counsel before problems escalate. Here’s how it works:

• Flat-Fee Structure: A one-time $3,000 retainer covers the entire academic year (August through May). The flat fee is earned upon receipt because it secures my immediate availability, priority access, and commitment to your student’s needs throughout the academic year. This means I am ready to step in and advise at a moment’s notice, providing peace of mind and trusted guidance before issues escalate.
• Unlimited Consultations: No cap on the number of times your student can reach out for advice.
• Immediate Access: Direct phone line to reach me when legal questions or situations arise.
• Preventive Guidance: Help in navigating potential issues before they become formal proceedings.
• Confidential Counsel: All communications are protected by attorney-client privilege.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing your student has professional legal support from day one.

As mentioned above, the plan is earned upon receipt, meaning the retainer is paid upfront to secure my availability throughout the academic year. This ensures I’m ready to provide counsel the moment your student needs it, without any unnecessary delays. Also, this fee is not refundable except in the rare event that I am unable or unwilling to perform the agreed-upon services.

What’s Covered Under the Plan?

The Student Legal Advisory Plan covers a wide range of legal matters commonly faced by Auburn University students. These include:

Student Conduct Issues

I provide guidance on navigating Auburn University’s complex student conduct process, including:

• Alcohol and substance violations in residence halls.
• Roommate disputes that escalate to administrative action.
• Property damage allegations in university housing.
• Noise complaints and disorderly conduct charges.
• Academic integrity allegations.

Early intervention in these matters can often prevent them from escalating to formal disciplinary proceedings. I can help your student understand their rights, prepare for meetings with university officials, and craft appropriate written responses that protect their interests.

Title IX Concerns

Title IX matters are among the most serious issues a student can face, with potential consequences ranging from housing reassignment to expulsion. I offer:

• Guidance on responding to informal Title IX complaints.
• Advice on navigating conversations with Title IX coordinators.
• Help in understanding the university’s sexual misconduct policies.
• Support in determining when and how to respond to allegations.
• Strategies for protecting your student’s rights while respecting the process.

I have worked inside Auburn’s Title IX office, and my extensive experience with Auburn’s Title IX procedures allows me to provide invaluable guidance during the critical early stages of these matters.

Law Enforcement Contact

When students interact with campus police or local law enforcement, they often don’t understand the potential consequences of their words and actions. I provide:

• Advice on how to handle police questioning.
• Guidance on responding to citations.
• Support after minor infractions like fake ID confiscations.
• Direction on addressing potential criminal charges.
• Assistance with understanding court notices and requirements.

Having immediate access to legal counsel after police contact can significantly impact the outcome of these situations.

Informal Intervention

In many cases, early and informal intervention can prevent a situation from escalating. When appropriate, I can:

• Make informal inquiries with university officials.
• Help draft communications to professors or administrators.
• Provide guidance on documentation and evidence preservation.
• Advise on university policies and procedures.
• Suggest alternative resolution strategies.

These interventions often resolve matters before they reach the formal complaint stage.

Support for Students Who Experience Sexual Misconduct or Assault

The Student Legal Advisory Plan is not just for students facing accusations. It also provides confidential, experienced legal guidance for students who believe they may have been victims of sexual misconduct, harassment, or assault.

Navigating a Title IX process as a complainant can be confusing and emotionally challenging. I provide:

• Confidential counsel to help students understand whether to file a report and what that process entails.
• Guidance on Title IX policies and how the university will handle a report.
• Advice on preserving evidence and communicating with university officials to protect rights and well-being.
• Support if the police become involved, ensuring the student’s voice is heard and they feel safe and informed.

My role is to provide a safe, private space for students to explore their concerns and make informed decisions without pressure or judgment.

What Makes This Plan Different?

The Student Legal Advisory Plan differs from traditional legal services in several important ways:

• Preventive Rather Than Reactive: Most legal representation begins after charges are filed or formal proceedings are initiated. This plan provides access to legal counsel before those critical thresholds are crossed, when there’s still an opportunity to shape outcomes.
• Focused on Education and Empowerment: Beyond just handling immediate issues, I work to educate your student about their rights and responsibilities. This knowledge serves them throughout their college career and beyond.
• Designed Specifically for Auburn University Students: My practice is focused on the unique legal landscape of Auburn University. I understand the specific policies, procedures, and personnel involved in student conduct and Title IX matters at Auburn, providing insights that general practice attorneys simply can’t offer.
• Confidential and Independent: Unlike university-provided resources, my counsel is completely independent and protected by attorney-client privilege. Your student can speak freely without fear that their words will be used against them.

What Happens if Things Escalate?

The Student Legal Advisory Plan covers advice, informal intervention, and early guidance only. If your student becomes the subject of a formal university investigation (such as a Title IX or Student Conduct Board proceeding) or is formally charged with a crime, those matters are not included in this plan.

In those situations, I would be happy to discuss continuing representation under a separate engagement agreement at a reduced hourly rate or flat fee in recognition of our existing relationship and understanding of the situation.

Limited Availability

Due to the personalized nature of this service and my commitment to being readily available to each student enrolled in the plan, I am limiting enrollment to just 15 students for the upcoming academic year. This ensures that I can provide the responsive, attentive service that each student deserves.

Once these 15 spots are filled, enrollment will close until the following academic year. This limited availability ensures that your student receives the highest level of service and attention when they need it most.

Investment in Your Student’s Future

The $3,000 retainer for the Student Legal Advisory Plan represents an investment in your student’s security and future. Consider the potential costs—both financial and personal—of a single legal misstep during the college years:

• Legal fees for criminal defense can easily exceed $5,000-$10,000.
• A conduct violation can jeopardize scholarships worth tens of thousands.
• Title IX findings can derail graduate school or career opportunities.
• Criminal records can impact employment prospects for years to come.

Beyond these tangible costs, there’s the immeasurable value of peace of mind—knowing that your student has immediate access to experienced legal counsel during this important transition to independence.

Peace of Mind When Your Student Is Miles Away

For parents, especially those whose students are attending Auburn from out of state, the Student Legal Advisory Plan offers something invaluable: peace of mind. When your student is hundreds or thousands of miles away, knowing they have immediate access to trusted legal counsel can make all the difference.

The Student Legal Advisory Plan bridges that gap, ensuring your student has local, experienced guidance when navigating unfamiliar territory.

How to Enroll

Enrolling in the Student Legal Advisory Plan is straightforward:

1. Contact my office at (334) 232-9392 to confirm availability.
2. Schedule an initial consultation (in person or via video conference).
3. Complete the enrollment paperwork.
4. Submit the $3,000 retainer.
5. Receive welcome materials with contact information and guidelines.

The available spots will fill up quickly, so I recommend enrolling well before the academic year begins – ideally during summer orientation or move-in periods. This ensures your student has a secure spot and is covered for the school year.

My Commitment to Your Student

When you enroll your student in the Student Legal Advisory Plan, you’re not just purchasing a service—you’re forming a relationship with an attorney who is committed to your student’s well-being and success.

I take this responsibility seriously and commit to:

• Being accessible when your student needs guidance.
• Providing clear, practical advice tailored to their situation.
• Maintaining absolute confidentiality in all communications.
• Advocating for their best interests in every circumstance.
• Educating them about their rights and responsibilities.

My goal isn’t just to help your student avoid legal problems—it’s to empower them with knowledge and support that contributes to their growth and success at Auburn University.

Schedule a Consultation Today

With only 15 spots available for the upcoming academic year, I encourage interested parents to schedule a consultation soon. During this consultation, I can answer specific questions about the plan and help you determine if it’s the right fit for your student.

Contact my office at (334) 232-9392 or email me to schedule your consultation. I look forward to discussing how the Student Legal Advisory Plan can provide your Auburn University student with the legal support and peace of mind they deserve.