Current Role and Responsibilities
Charles W. Vaughn is the Civil Group Chief. Mr. Vaughn directs the operations of DCPD’s CPS, Juvenile, and Family Teams. The Civil Group Consists of 14 attorneys a paralegal and a legal secretary. Investigative and social work needs are met by the Investigative Team and the Mental Team. The CPS Team defends clients that have become involved in cases filed by the Dallas County District Attorney on behalf of the Dallas County Child Protective Services branch of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. The Juvenile Team defends children accused of wrongdoing in cases filed by the Dallas County District Attorney. The Family Team defends clients in cases filed by private counsel or the Dallas County District Attorney on behalf of the Dallas County Child Protective Services branch of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services. These cases involve allegations of child abuse or neglect. The Family Team also defends clients in cases filed by private counsel or the Office of the Attorney General of Texas where punishment is sought for the alleged violation of a court order. Mr. Vaughn is the defense member of the Legacy Family Court team. Legacy Family Court is a specialty court dealing with substance abuse disorder which has resulted in Child Protective Services restricting a parent’s rights with their child or children. All members of the Civil Group handle a caseload consisting of complex cases where individual liberties are at stake.
Education and Professional Background
Mr. Vaughn holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor from Texas Tech University School of Law. Mr. Vaughn is also holds a certificate from the National Association of Counties Professional Development Academy. He has over three decades of experience in the legal field including private practice as a partner in a litigation firm handling business, criminal, and family law matters, as well as earlier roles in both public defense and private firms focusing on general and complex litigation.
Certifications and Areas of Expertise
Mr. Vaughn is an active member of several professional organizations, including the State Bar of Texas, Family Law, Juvenile Law, and Child Welfare Law Sections of the State Bar of Texas, the Dallas Bar Association Family Law Section, and the Texas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Values and Motivation
Mr. Vaughn believes that when facing the judgment of others all persons should be given a meaningful opportunity to be heard.
