Melvin Arthur Vaughn II

PRO

Melvin Arthur Vaughn II

also known as Artie Vaughn

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Auburn, AL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Education, Military Law

Auburn, Auburn, AL

Virtual Consultation Available

About Melvin

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 70%

Military Courts-martial

18 years

70%
Education 25%

Student conduct and Title IX processes including investigations and hearings.

7 years

25%
Military Law 5%

All administrative hearings and investigations

18 years

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025

Licenses

Licensed in Alabama for 18 years

State: Alabama

Acquired: 2007

Occupational License - Authorized to Practice

No misconduct found

Location

Vaughn Defense

Auburn, Auburn, AL, 36830

vaughndefense.com/

Melvin Arthur Vaughn II's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

7 Client Reviews

5 star (7)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | December 4, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly recomment

Artie was extremely helpful in our situation. He made a tough and stressful life event run as smoothly as possible and achieved best outcome. I would highly recommend.

Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Incredible trial attorney!

Artie is highly skilled, experienced, and trustworthy! I’m an attorney and he’s on the top of my short list of attorneys to call whenever I need advice on the law and trial strategy.

Posted by Jericho | November 9, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Lingering issue resolution!

I had an issue that was not properly resolved by military police in 2004 that was giving me professional issues in 2025! I tried on my own for months to resolve it to no avail. Within one week of bringing Artie into the loop it was fully settled. Awesome guy that knows his stuff!!

Posted by anonymous | November 8, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Mr. Vaughn Went Above and Beyond!

I consulted with Mr. Vaughn on a matter with which he was originally less familiar. He went above and beyond expectations to research the topic and provide me with clear legal impacts and details. Would highly recommend working with Mr. Vaughn based on my experience.

Posted by Jeff | November 7, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Absolutely the best attorney.

I’ve hired Artie Vaughn as a legal consultant and as an attorney because he is professional, knowledgeable, accessible, and trustworthy. I’ve worked with hundreds of attorneys for the past 25 years in a professional capacity as a former law enforcement officer and current civil rights and Title IX pr...ofessional. Artie is by far the most reliable and dependable attorney I’ve ever seen. He places his clients first and works tirelessly to serve them. I would recommend him to anyone any day of the week.

See All Client Reviews

Melvin Arthur Vaughn II's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Melvin
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Steve S Christensen headshot
Steve Christensen

Military law lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Daniel Michael Karalash headshot
Daniel Karalash

Military law lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Melvin Arthur - "Artie" and I worked together defending a you Airman against very serious charges. Although the case against our client was strong, Artie's knowledge, ethics, and tenacity ensured that our client achieved what we all thought impossible. It was an honor to work with Artie. His tenacity and professionalism is beyond reproach. I highly endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Torri headshot
Joseph Torri

Unknown lawyer | Jan 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Dustin R. T. Sullivan headshot
Dustin Sullivan

Military law lawyer | Dec 29

Relationship: Friend

"Mr. Vaughn has done a tremendous job with the USAF JAG Corp and has earned the praise of many of his peers who have had the pleasure to work with him over his career. For those who are undecided on his services, look to his reviews and they should convince you otherwise!"

Brian Keith Harris headshot
Brian Harris

Military law lawyer | Dec 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"M. Arthur Vaughn II is one of the finest lawyers I've had the privilege of working with. Given the nature of how the USAF JAG Corps works I've had the benefit of working on both sides of the court room with Capt. Vaughn both as a prosecutor and as a defense counsel. I've also been an opposing counsel in a matter in which he was counsel. Capt Vaughn is a bright and creative attorney who has a nature talent in the courtroom. A truly gifted litigator Capt Vaughn also brings with him an encyclopedic knowledge of the law. Capt Vaughn epitomizes a blue-collar work ethic working tirelessly and always dedicated in his clients cause."

Isaac Clay Kennen headshot
Isaac Kennen

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Artie Vaughn is a sharp, hard-working attorney with great writing and advocacy skills. He has great presence and exudes competence in and out of the courtroom."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Artie and I defended a serious criminal case at Travis AFB, CA that included extensive physical and forensic evidence. We fought the case in front of a jury and our client was found Not Guilty of all charges."

View All Endorsements
Gilbert Joseph Comley headshot
Gilbert Comley

Military law lawyer

Jeremy Nathaniel Snyder headshot
Jeremy Snyder

Government lawyer

Mallory Katelyn Harper headshot
Mallory Harper

General practice lawyer

Barbara Agricola headshot
Barbara Agricola

Personal injury lawyer

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington headshot
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph Andrew Fanduzz headshot
Joseph Fanduzz

Criminal defense lawyer

KIRK W ALBERTSON headshot
KIRK ALBERTSON

Government lawyer

Joseph Torri headshot
Joseph Torri

Family lawyer

Phillip Ted Colquett headshot
Phillip Colquett

Insurance fraud lawyer

Daniel Michael Karalash headshot
Daniel Karalash

Military law lawyer

Phillip Edward Stackhouse headshot
Phillip Stackhouse

Litigation lawyer

Brian Keith Harris headshot
Brian Harris

Litigation lawyer

Dustin R. T. Sullivan headshot
Dustin Sullivan

General practice lawyer

Isaac Clay Kennen headshot
Isaac Kennen

Military law lawyer

Keric Dewey Clanahan headshot
Keric Clanahan

Military law lawyer

Carleton Putnam Ketcham III headshot
Carleton Ketcham

Litigation lawyer

J. Matthew Bolton headshot
J. Bolton

General practice lawyer

Donna Michael-Hall Bolton headshot
Donna Bolton

General practice lawyer

Christopher Mark Bazzell headshot
Christopher Bazzell

Insurance lawyer

Richard V Stevens III headshot
Richard Stevens

Military law lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Top 100 Invitee, National Trial Lawyers Association

2019

Meritorious Service Medal, United States Air Force

2016

Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association

2015

Air Force Commendation Medal, Air Force

2013

Air Force Commendation Medal - First Oak Leaf Cluster, United States Air Force

2013

Notable/Distinguished Alumni, Appalachian School of Law

2013

Wing Staff CGO of the Quarter (Jan-Mar), 60th Air Mobility Wing, Travis AFB, CA

2012

Air Force Outstanding Unit Citation, United States Air Force

2012

Longevity of Service, United States Air Force

2011

Air Force Commendation Medal, United States Air Force

2010

CGO of the Year, Warner Robins Air Logistics Center

2009

CGO of the Quarter (Jul-Sep), Warner Robins Air Logistics Center

2009

CGO of the Quarter (Jan-Mar), Warner Robins Air Logistics Center

2007

Deans List - All semesters (2004-2007), Appalachian School of Law

2007

Outstanding Merit and Accomplishment at ASL, Who's Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges

2007

Sutin Soul of ASL Award, Appalachian School of Law

2007

Book Award - Family Law, Appalachian School of Law

2007

Book Award - Arbitration, Appalachian School of Law

2007

Book Award - Estate Planning, Appalachian School of Law

2007

Magna Cum Laude, Appalachian School of Law

2006

Book Award - Business Associations, Appalachian School of Law

2006

Book Award - Payment Systems, Appalachian School of Law

Work Experience

2022 - 2023

Attorney, Agricola Law

2019 - 2022

Civil Rights Investigator, Auburn University

2016 - 2019

Instructor, Military Justice Division, United States Air Force Judge Advocate Corps

2013 - 2015

Area Defense Counsel, United States Air Force JAG Corps - Travis AFB, CA

2011 - 2012

Chief, Civil Law, United States Air Force JAG Corps - Travis AFB, CA

2009 - 2011

Chief, Military Justice, United States Air Force JAG Corps - Robins AFB, GA

2008 - 2009

Chief, Legal Assistance and Operations Law, United States Air Force JAG Corps - Robins AFB, GA

2007 - 2008

Associate Attorney, Hall, Conerly & Bolvig, P.C.

2006 - 2006

Legal Intern, United States Army Jag Corps

2005 - 2005

Legal Intern, 22nd Judicial District TN District Attorney Office

Associations

2019 - Present

Lee County Bar Association

Member

2017 - Present

The National Trial Lawyers

2007 - Present

American Bar Association

2007 - Present

Birmingham Bar Association

2003 - Present

Auburn Alumni Association

Lifetime Member

2007 - 2008

Alabama Defense Lawyers Association

Sample of Legal Cases

US v AF E5

Full acquittal

See More Legal Cases

Education

2016

Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army

LL.M - Master of Laws

2014

The Air Force Judge Advocate General's School

Advanced Trial Advocacy Course

2014

The Air Force Judge Advocate General's School

Intermediate Sexual Assault Litigation Conference

2013

The Air Force Judge Advocate General's School

Defense Orientation Course

2012

Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army

Government Contracts

2011

The Naval Justice School

Law of Military Operations

2010

Air Force Squadron Officers College

Squadron Officers School

2010

The Air Force Judge Advocate General's School

Military Justice Administration Course

2010

The Air Force Judge Advocate General's School

Federal Labor Law Employment Course

2009

Judge Advocate General's School, U.S. Army

Legal Assistance Course

2009

The Air Force Judge Advocate General's School

Trial Defense Advocacy Course

2008

The Air Force Judge Advocate General's School

Judge Advocate Staff Officers' Course

2007

Appalachian School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2007

Appalachian School of Law

Lawyer as a Problem Solver Certificate

2002

Auburn University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2021

Defending Sexual Assault

Trends in Military Law - Co-Chair

2020

Monthly Bar Meeting

Title IX

2017

28th Annual Alabama State Bar Military Law Symposium

Uniform Code of Military Justice Updates

2013

Travis AFB Wing Senior Leaders Meeting

Defense Sentencing in Courts-Martial

2012

Military Officers Association of America

Estate and retirement planning

2011

Travis AFB Legal CGO meeting

New Federal Rules of Evidence

2010

Military Justice Roundtable

Military Justice

Publications

2020

The State of Criminal Justice (ABA) Changes to the Punitive Articles Under the Military Justice Act of 2016

2019

The State of Criminal Justice (ABA) Military Justice

2018

Air Force Law Review Children are Speaking. It's Time We Listen: The Case for a Child Hearsay Exception in Military Courts

2018

The State of Criminal Justice (ABA) The Military Justice Act of 2016

2017

The State of Criminal Justice (ABA) Military Criminal Justice: Further Expanded Victim Rights and Overarching Refinements

2016

The Reporter (Office of the Judge Advocate General) Team of Teams - Book Review

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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