On Tuesday, May 16, 2023, the Supreme Court of Illinois disbarred attorney Helga Kahr for her criminal conviction involving stealing while serving as a guardian of a disabled person.

The case is entitled “In the matter of Helga Kahr” with case no. 031677.

The charges cited Illinois Rules of Professional Conduct 8.4(b) and 8.4(c) which states:

Committing criminal acts that reflect adversely on her honesty, trustworthiness, or fitness as a lawyer in other respect.

Conduct involving dishonesty, fraud, deceit, or misrepresentation.

The Rules of Professional Conduct can be found here.

On October 20, 2022, a complaint was lodged against the respondent alleging misconduct due to her criminal conviction for theft while acting as the guardian of a disabled individual. The complaint highlights a serious breach of trust and raises concerns regarding the respondent’s ethical conduct in fulfilling her responsibilities as a guardian. The criminal conviction in question has raised significant doubts about the respondent’s ability to act in the best interests of the vulnerable individual under her care.

The complaint states:

“On June 12, 2018, Respondent was charged, by a criminal information, with one count of Theft in the First Degree ( $280,671.50) and one count of Theft in the Second Degree ($2,002.40), in violation of the Revised Code of Washington (“RCW”) sections 9A.56.030(1) and 9A.56.020(1). The charges alleged that Respondent exerted unauthorized control over funds belonging to B Garrett. State v. Kahr, No. 18 – 1 – 00672 – EA, Superior Court of Washington, King County.”

The complaint continues:

“On October 10, 2019, Respondent was found guilty, following a jury trial, of both charged offenses. The jury found that a number of aggravating circumstances existed, as set forth in Washington State statutes, including that the victim was particularly vulnerable or incapable of resistance. The court sentenced her to 18 months imprisonment. 6. On August 16, 0221, Respondent’s conviction and sentence were affirmed, see State v. Kahr, No. 80848 – 6 – 1, Court of Appeals of Washington, Division One.”

Following the complaint, the Hearing Board of the Illinois Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission stated that they have considered the respondent’s exploitation of a particularly vulnerable person, her dishonest and selfish motives, and her failure to participate in the said proceeding, all of which significantly aggravate the misconduct. The board considered in mitigation that the respondent has no prior discipline, but the reprehensible misconduct and substantial aggravating factors far outweigh the minimal amount of mitigation. In lieu of this, the Supreme Court of Illinois adopted the recommendation of the Hearing Board and decided to disbar the respondent.

The Disposition states:

“Motion by the Administrator of the Attorney Registration and Disciplinary Commission to approve and confirm the report and recommendation of the Hearing Board. Allowed. Respondent Helga Kahr is disbarred. Order entered by the Court.”

Ms. Kahr practices in Seattle, Washington. She is licensed in Washington and Illinois. Her info can be found on avvo.com.

A copy of the original filing can be found here.