Moses Lake attorney disbarred

SEATTLE - A Moses Lake attorney was disbarred for allegedly taking $23,965 from clients while providing little or no services.

The Washington State Supreme Court disbarred Ted A. Mahr, agreeing with the Washington State Bar Association's investigation into the attorney's practice.

The investigation started after clients in 14 cases filed grievances with the bar association, starting on Nov. 9, 2009, and ending May 10, 2010, according to the formal complaint against Mahr.

In each of the cases Mahr reportedly took money to represent clients in immigration related matters. The attorney allegedly did little or no work on the cases, including not filing forms, missing hearings and in one case, forging his client's signature.

The cases date back to 2006, when Mahr reportedly took $2,000 to obtain green cards for two clients, stating he could do it in "half the time," according to the complaint. Mahr reportedly spoke to his clients four or five times, and charged them another $2,000. The hearing commissioner stated Mahr didn't do any work for them.

In another case, Mahr was paid to file an immigration form, and asked his client for another $355 to expedite the application, according to the complaint. The client received a notice from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services stating the $355 filing fee wasn't paid. When the client contacted Mahr, the attorney reportedly said he needed another $355 for the paperwork.

In other cases, Mahr was hired to represent clients facing deportation hearings, according to the complaint, he reportedly did little or no work in the cases, and after missing one hearing, told a client he was too busy.

Mahr could be reinstated if he pays $23,965 in restitution and other costs, according to bar association documents.

Mahr could not be reached for comment.