Thomas C. Grajek | June 3, 2025 | Criminal Defense
A crime involving moral turpitude is a classification that means a crime that involves dishonesty, inherent immorality, or behavior that shocks the conscience. Many crimes involving moral turpitude include fraud, theft, or extreme violence.
Crimes classified as involving moral turpitude can have serious legal penalties and immigration consequences, including deportation. Unfortunately, these crimes are not well defined and can vary depending on the situation.
Criminal defense attorneys, especially non-citizens, need to understand the term so they can make the best decisions during their criminal case.
Definition of Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude
There is no singular definition of crimes involving moral turpitude, but the phrase is often used to describe a depraved or immoral act. The mens rea (state of mind) requirement is at least recklessness and usually intentional.
Crimes involving moral turpitude often shock the conscience more than any other crimes. They tend to raise serious questions about the honesty and character of the defendant and their chosen behavior.
Crimes of moral turpitude can be either a misdemeanor or a felony because the underlying behavior determines the classification. When determining if a crime involves moral turpitude, the court looks at the specific facts of the case rather than the specific charge. This means that two people can face the same crime, but if one’s crime involves moral turpitude and the other’s does not, the consequences for each defendant could vary.
Examples of Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude
Crimes involving moral turpitude can be property crimes, crimes against a person, and sex crimes.
Some of the most common examples of crimes that can involve moral turpitude are:
- Theft
- Fraud
- Embezzlement
- Robbery
- Murder
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated assault
- Domestic violence
- Rape
- Incest
This list is not exhaustive. In fact, whether or not the court will conclude that a crime involves moral turpitude depends highly on the facts of the case.
Consequences of Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude
The consequences of a crime involving moral turpitude can be severe, especially for non-citizens.
Court-Ordered and Collateral Penalties
Since crimes involving moral turpitude are criminal offenses, they may lead to court-ordered punishments that can include:
- Jail time
- Fines and court fees
- Probation
- Restitution
- Difficulty finding housing or employment
- Loss of the right to vote or the right to own a gun
Additionally, people convicted of crimes involving moral turpitude can also face social stigma.
Immigration Consequences
For many, the most significant consequences of crimes involving moral turpitude are related to immigration.
A conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude can render a non-citizen deportable from the United States. It can also prohibit them from entering the country and make them ineligible for certain types of relief. If a person is seeking citizenship, a crime involving moral turpitude can bar them from having the good moral character required for that process.
It is important to remember that even minor misdemeanor offenses can be classified as crimes involving moral turpitude under the right circumstances. Most people don’t realize that their immigration status can be put at risk over something like low-level theft or another similarly minor crime. Unfortunately, by the time they know, it is often too late.
Contact a Lakeland Criminal Defense Lawyer at Grajek Trial Attorney at Law if You’ve Been Charged with a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude
You should always hire a lawyer if you are charged with a crime, but legal representation is especially critical if you are charged with a crime involving moral turpitude. You need a lawyer who understands these crimes and how they can impact you, particularly if you are not a United States citizen.
How you handle your court case can have a significant impact on your future. For more information, contact us today to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer at Grajek Trial Attorney at Law.
Grajek Trial Attorney at Law
112 E Poinsettia St
Lakeland, FL 33803
(863)-688-4606