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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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I had a wonderful experience working with Kriezelman Burton & Associates, LLC. From start to finish, the team was professional, knowledgeable, and truly dedicated to guiding me through every step of the process. They made what could have been a stressful situation feel smooth and manageable, always answering questions quickly and keeping me updated. I especially want to thank Khabit for his outstanding support—he was patient, detail-oriented, and went above…
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I really want to thank Justin and Kamila; they are the best. I waited almost 20 years and no one could help me get my green card and in 4 months they helped me get my permit, and I got my green card in less then 4 months. They are the best. I will always be grateful for what they did for me, thank you Justin and Kamila!!!!
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I am incredibly grateful to Mr. Burton for his outstanding legal assistance in my immigration case, from my first consultation he heard me patiently demonstrating exceptional professionalism, expertise, and a genuine commitment to my case. Immigration process can be overwhelming and stressful, but he and his team provided clear guidance every step of the way, always answering my questions promptly and reassuring me with their deep expertise. Thanks to their…
I had an outstanding experience working with Brittni Rivera. From our very first consultation, she demonstrated deep expertise, professionalism, and genuine care for my case. Navigating immigration processes can be incredibly stressful, but Brittni made the entire journey much more manageable and transparent. She were always responsive to my questions, provided clear guidance at every step, and never made me feel like just another case. Thanks to her hard work…
Highly recommend this firm. I had the pleasure of working with Lauren McClure and she is absolutely the best. She was very helpful and walked me through every step of the process, she is patient and she got the job done. I am very grateful with her and her team for helping me with the process of my case. Thank you so much.
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