DANIEL VAUGHN
Former major felony prosecutor and experienced criminal defense attorney serving clients in Indianapolis and throughout Indiana.
Daniel Vaughn is a founding attorney of Vaughn Gray Trial Attorneys and an experienced trial lawyer whose practice is focused on criminal defense. He graduated from the Indiana University Maurer School of Law in Bloomington and later earned an M.B.A. from the Indiana University Kelley School of Business. Before law school, he served as an infantry Marine and also managed operations for major automotive and aerospace manufacturing companies.
PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND
Daniel began his career in criminal law as a deputy prosecutor at the Morgan County Prosecutor’s Office, where he handled bench trials in Martinsville City and Mooresville Town Courts, litigated traffic-stop and search-and-seizure issues, and tried multiple felony jury trials. He later joined the Marion County Prosecutor’s Office, where he worked in high-volume misdemeanor courts, then the OVWI Prosecution Unit, then the Level 6 Felony Division, and ultimately spent several years in the Major Felony Division prosecuting serious victim crimes.
During his prosecutorial career, Daniel handled matters involving OVWI / DUI, gun possession, driving while suspended, controlled substance offenses, resisting law enforcement, battery, domestic violence, theft, drug dealing and possession, sex crimes, robbery, burglary, firearm offenses, and murder. His background gives him firsthand knowledge of how the State investigates, charges, and prosecutes serious criminal cases.
HIS APPROACH
Daniel’s experience as a former prosecutor gives him a practical understanding of how criminal cases are built and where weaknesses may exist in the State’s evidence. He uses that perspective to help clients understand their legal position, evaluate risk, and move forward with a defense strategy grounded in preparation, clarity, and strong advocacy.
He represents clients facing a broad range of criminal matters, from misdemeanors and DUI cases to major felony allegations. His focus is on protecting his clients’ rights, preserving their options, and helping them navigate the criminal justice system with a clear strategy and informed guidance.
CREDENTIALS AND EXPERIENCE
• Founding attorney of Vaughn Gray Trial Attorneys
• Former deputy prosecutor, Morgan County Prosecutor’s Office
• Former deputy prosecutor, Marion County Prosecutor’s Office
• Former prosecutor in the OVWI Prosecution Unit, Level 6 Felony Division, and Major Felony Division
• Trial experience in misdemeanor, DUI / OVWI, drug, gun, violent crime, sex crime, robbery, burglary, and murder cases
• J.D., Indiana University Maurer School of Law (2017)
• M.B.A., Indiana University Kelley School of Business (2021)
• B.A. in Communication, Indiana University (2005)
• Admitted in Indiana
• Admitted in the Northern District of Indiana
• Admitted in the Southern District of Indiana
PRACTICE FOCUS
• DUI / OWI defense
• Drug charges
• Gun and weapons charges
• Domestic battery allegations
• Violent crime defense
• Sex crimes defense
• Felony defense
• Misdemeanor defense
• Expungements
• Appeals
• Sentence modifications
• Probation and other violation matters
• Forfeiture cases
SPEAK WITH DANIEL VAUGHN ABOUT YOUR CASE
If you are facing criminal charges, under investigation, or trying to understand your legal options, contact Vaughn Gray Trial Attorneys today to take the first step toward your defense.