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What is a Crime of Moral Turpitude?
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A crime of moral turpitude is not a specific charge. Rather, it is a category of offenses that are characterized by their basis in immoral intent. Crimes of moral turpitude can be misdemeanor or felony-level offenses. For a US citizen, conviction of this type of offense can result in fines and jail time. For a lawful permanent resident or an individual in the country on a visa, it can result in removal from the United States.
If you are a non-citizen facing a criminal charge, it is important that you work with a lawyer who not only understands the criminal justice process, but has experience defending immigrants who are facing removal actions.
Violent, Depraved Offenses are Crimes of Moral Turpitude
The term “crime of moral turpitude” is defined as an offense that “ shocks the public conscience as being inherently base, vile, or depraved, contrary to the rules of morality and the duties owed between man and man, either one’s fellow man or society in general,” according to the Board of Immigration Appeals. This is a subjective definition, which can mean that a specific offense may be defined by one judge as a crime of moral turpitude while another judge would not deem it to be so. A few examples of offenses that could be considered to be crimes of moral turpitude include:
- Fraud;
- Robbery;
- Kidnapping;
- Manslaughter;
- Conspiracy;
- Domestic violence;
- Murder;
- Sexual assault;
- Aggravated assault; and
- Theft offenses.
The key to defining an offense as a crime of moral turpitude is determining whether the offender acted with “evil intent.” If the court cannot prove that the defendant acted in an intentionally vile, depraved, or otherwise cruel manner, it may not find him or her to be guilty of a crime of moral turpitude. The lack of such evidence can keep an individual in the country, even if he or she is convicted of a criminal offense.
Deportation as a Penalty for a Crime of Moral Turpitude Conviction
When an individual is deported for a conviction of a crime of moral turpitude, he or she can be prevented from reentering the United States for anywhere from five to 20 years. In many cases, individuals are banned from reentering the country for life. This can put strains on their families and communities.
Work with an Experienced Chicago Immigration Lawyer
If you are charged with a crime of moral turpitude, you could be facing removal from the United States. Work with an experienced immigration lawyer to determine the right strategy for your case, because you are not only dealing with criminal law, but with immigration law. Contact our team at Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC today to schedule your initial consultation in our office.
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My aunt was recently detained by ICE and sent to El Paso, Texas to the East Montana Detention Facility. This place is essentially a prison in the middle of the desert, and the majority of the detainees here get deported. My family and I interviewed a dozen immigration attorneys around the country to help my aunt, and we decided to hire Kevin Raica, an attorney with Kriezelman Burton and Associates.…
Our case was very difficult, and at times it felt like there was no way out. My wife was detained for a long period of time, and it was an extremely challenging experience for our family. Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC truly changed our situation. I would especially like to thank our attorney, Brittni Rivera, as well as Natalia. They were attentive, honest, and always ready to help. It was…
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We contacted Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, based on a recommendation, when my wife was detained by ICE. Attorney Khiabett Osuna handled our case, and it turned out to be the right choice. From the very beginning, she proved herself to be a caring and competent professional, clearly explaining the process. You can tell she's truly invested in each case and achieving results for her clients. We've also heard of…
I would like to express my gratitude to Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC, and especially to attorney Khiabett Osuna, who handled my case. I contacted them based on a recommendation and have never regretted it. From the very beginning, she demonstrated high professionalism. I could tell she was genuinely committed to the outcome and was doing everything possible to protect her client.
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I highly recommend Brittni Rivera. We are very grateful to her and the entire team at Kriezelman Burton & Associates. Your dedication, responsiveness, and compassion made an enormous difference during an incredibly difficult time. Serving as the liaison between Brittni Rivera and our friend in ICE detention, I saw firsthand how tirelessly she worked guiding us through the process, answering every question, and never losing sight of the humanity at…
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Thank you Matthew for all your help with my case. Highly recommend
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