Spokane Valley lawyer Brad Plumb, convicted of welfare fraud in 1993, has been suspended from practicing law for another year.

The Washington Supreme Court ordered the suspension, accepting the recommendation of the state bar’s disciplinary board.

The court actually imposed a three-year suspension, but made it retroactive to May 4, 1993, when Plumb first was prohibited from practicing law.

At that time, he and his wife, Lisa, were convicted of welfare fraud for failing to report employment income while receiving more than $7,000 in public assistance. The couple was sentenced to communityservice work instead of jail.

Plumb, 38, is appealing the criminal convictions. Although he could have been disbarred, he also challenged the suspension as excessive punishment.