Entries by Vaughn Defense

How Criminal Records Can Be Expunged or Sealed in Auburn

A past mistake, even a minor one, can cast a long shadow. Years after a case is closed, the existence of a criminal record can become an unexpected barrier to progress. It might surface during a background check for a promising new job, an application for an apartment, or when seeking a professional license. The […]

The Role of Forensic Evidence in Criminal Defense Cases

In courtrooms across Lee County, perhaps no evidence is presented with more authority than forensic science. Juries are often shown DNA matches, fingerprint comparisons, or ballistics reports, all of which seem to offer a definitive, scientific link between a defendant and a crime. This “CSI effect” has created a powerful expectation that science can solve […]

Defending Against Title IX Stalking Allegations at Auburn

An official-looking email from the Auburn University Title IX Coordinator lands in your inbox. The subject line is serious, and as you read the formal language, the message becomes clear: you are the respondent in a Title IX complaint alleging stalking. At that moment, your entire academic career, your reputation, and your future prospects feel […]

Title IX and Student Athletes: Unique Challenges and Considerations

When a Title IX allegation arises at Auburn University involving a student athlete, the complexities of the university’s policies intersect with the demanding world of collegiate athletics. The stakes are exceptionally high, not only for the student athlete’s academic standing and personal reputation but also for their athletic career, potential scholarships, and future professional prospects. […]

Federal Hemp Law Changed on November 12, 2025: Major Implications for THC & Hemp-Derived Products

On November 12, 2025, the Federal Government reopened after the longest shutdown in history. But, a significant federal legislative change will take effect one year later on November 12, 2026: Congress passed an amendment to the federal hemp law, rewriting the definition of “hemp” and dramatically altering the legal status of hemp-derived cannabinoid products. If you use, […]

The Importance of Preserving Evidence in Auburn, AL Title IX Cases

The notice arrives without warning. It might be an email from the Auburn University Title IX Coordinator or a formal letter delivered to your residence hall. The language is dense and official, but the message is jarringly clear: you have been named as a respondent in a Title IX complaint. In that moment, your world […]

The Consequences of a DUI on Future Employment

The flashing blue and red lights in your rearview mirror on College Street or Toomer’s Corner can mark the beginning of a disorienting and stressful ordeal. An arrest for Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in Auburn, Alabama, triggers a cascade of immediate worries: the potential for jail time, the suspension of your driver’s license, and […]

Title IX Retaliation Claims: What Auburn Students Should Know

The decision to report sexual harassment, sexual assault, or any form of sex-based discrimination under Title IX is one of the most difficult a student can make. It takes immense courage to step forward. You trust that the system, and the individuals within it, will protect you. But what happens when, instead of support, you […]