What makes William Auman a good neighbor?

William Auman, a seasoned attorney and author, recently shared his remarkable journey on The Good Neighbor Podcast. With over 30 years of legal experience, Auman began his career at age 24 as a public defender in Asheville, North Carolina, driven by a deep commitment to public interest work. For thirteen years, he represented individuals who couldn't afford quality legal representation before establishing his own practice in 1999. His career trajectory showcases a dedication to justice that extends beyond the typical lawyer stereotype, highlighting how legal professionals can serve their communities through compassion and advocacy.

After three decades of trial work, Auman transitioned to focus on post-conviction appeals and representation. This specialized area of law addresses cases where mistakes were made by lawyers, judges, or district attorneys, resulting in improper sentences or wrongful incarceration. His work exemplifies the critical importance of constitutional protections and proper legal representation. When asked about common misconceptions in criminal defense, Auman emphasized that contrary to popular belief, guilty people rarely "get off on technicalities." Instead, he views his role as similar to that of a social worker, often helping clients access support for underlying issues like substance abuse while ensuring constitutional protections remain intact for everyone in the justice system.

Beyond his legal career, Auman is an accomplished author and outdoor enthusiast with a passion for kayaking. He maintains a database of approximately 400 different bodies of water he's paddled, combining this hobby with his love of history. His first book, "Pioneer Paddling, Colonial Carolina," explores historical kayaking and canoeing areas in North Carolina. Currently, he's working on a more ambitious project titled "Pioneer Paddles of the Colonial South," expanding his scope to include Tennessee, Virginia, Georgia, South Carolina, Florida, and North Carolina. This intersection of outdoor adventure and historical documentation represents Auman's multifaceted approach to life beyond the courtroom.

One of Auman's most fascinating literary works is "If Trees Could Testify," based on a real murder case from Madison County. The book chronicles the brutal 1983 murders of an elderly sibling pair that remained unsolved for 18 years until 2001, when a new sheriff made an arrest. The case involved biker gangs, organized crime elements, and a complex fencing operation near Newport, Tennessee. The intriguing nature of the case attracted attention from a Hollywood production crew that had planned to film the trial before unexpected developments prevented it. Published in 2021, an audiobook version is currently in production, further extending the reach of this compelling true crime narrative.

During the podcast, Auman shared his personal struggle with losing his home of 35 years during Hurricane Helene. Located on the French Broad River, the property was largely washed away by floodwaters of "biblical proportions." Despite this devastating loss, Auman expressed profound gratitude for the community support he and his wife received. His perspective on overcoming hardship evolved from "one hour at a time" to "one day at a time" and now "one week at a time," demonstrating remarkable resilience in the face of catastrophic loss. This experience, while tremendously difficult, has shown him the power of community and human kindness during times of crisis.

To learn more about William Auman Law Offices go to:

https://wdauman.wixsite.com/auman-law/attorneys

William Auman

(828) 236-1808