A Casper attorney has been disbarred and ordered to pay thousands of dollars in costs after she fraudulently used a dead friend's debit card.

Traci E. Mears used the debit card to make purchases and pay $762.85 for veterinary services for her dog, according to a statement from Wyoming State Bar Executive Director Sharon Wilkinson.

"Mears, who acted as the attorney for the personal representative of the deceased friend's estate, later attempted to collect an unreasonable fee in the probate proceeding," Wilkinson said.

The Board of Professional Responsibility found that Mears violated rules regarding attorney fees, the duty to safeguard client property, meritorious claims and contentions and criminal acts reflecting adversely on a lawyer's honesty, trustworthiness or fitness.

She also violated a rule regarding conduct prejudicial to the administration of justice.

In accepting the state bar's recommendation for disbarment, the high court ordered Mears to pay an administrative fee of $750 and costs of $2,448.25 to the state bar.

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