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What is Considered a Crime of Moral Turpitude?

los angeles immigration attorney

What is a Crime of Moral Turpitude Under Immigration Law?

The most common fundamentals of moral turpitude crimes include crimes such as larceny, fraud, theft, DUI, murder, rape, spousal abuse, and intent to harm persons or things. Below is a list that includes, but is not limited to examples of crimes that fall under “crimes of moral turpitude”.

I Was Convicted of a Crime; Will That Affect My Immigration Status?

If you commit a crime and get found guilty, you risk deportation or removal proceedings.

If you face these risks due to a conviction, or if you believe criminal charges may harm your immigration status, you must speak with an immigration attorney experienced in criminal matters.

Therefore, if this applies to you, call our office to schedule a free consultation with a Los Angeles immigration attorney.

What Types of Crimes Will Affect My Immigration Status?

Generally, convictions considered or determined to be “crimes of moral turpitude” or “aggravated felonies” may affect your immigration status.

Common Crimes That Will Affect Immigration Status

Some common fundamentals of moral turpitude crimes include crimes with the INTENT of harm. The following are some specific examples of “moral turpitude crimes”

  • aggravated assault
  • incest
  • larceny
  • murder
  • voluntary manslaughter
  • rape
  • spousal abuse
  • child abuse
  • kidnapping
  • robbery
  • burglary
  • theft
  • fraud
  • aggravated battery

Who Determines if a Conviction is Considered as a Crime of Moral Turpitude?

Immigration officials or judges determine if a crime qualifies as a crime of moral turpitude. Generally, the facts, evidence, circumstances that surround the conviction, and the legal language described in penal code, law, or statute violation.

What is Considered a Crime of Moral Turpitude?

Immigration officials general consider the fact surrounding the persons’ convictions. The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) define moral turpitude as a “nebulous concept,” and one that “refers generally to conduct 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.”

It is important to keep in mind that if the facts that surround the specific crime clearly displays that you acted intentionally.

Video About Crimes of Moral Turpitude Involved With Immigration

 

Is it Possible to Defend My Immigration Status After Committing a Crime?

Yes, you can argue that your charges do not fall under the classifications of a crime of moral turpitude. While you or an immigration attorney can use this defense, you must consider the specific language or wording of the law, penal code, or statute under which the authorities charged you.

Call our office at (310) 943-1171 or contact us via email at [email protected] to schedule a free consultation with a Glendale immigration attorney, near Los Angeles, CA. 

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