Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers | April 16, 2025 | Texas Law

What Are Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude?

Crimes involving moral turpitude are offenses that reflect conduct deemed inherently immoral, dishonest, or contrary to societal standards of justice and integrity. These crimes often involve elements like fraud, theft, or intentional harm and carry serious legal and immigration consequences. 

While the exact definition can vary depending on the context, crimes involving moral turpitude are generally considered acts that shock the public conscience and raise questions about a person’s character. Understanding what constitutes a crime of moral turpitude is essential, especially for individuals facing immigration proceedings or seeking professional licenses.

Definition of Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude

A crime involving moral turpitude has a vague definition. It is often defined as a depraved or immoral act. The crime requires an intent of at least recklessness. 

Usually, a crime involving moral turpitude involves some sort of:

  • Fraud
  • Intent to inflict great bodily harm
  • Malice 
  • Lewd conduct  

Many crimes involving moral turpitude have an element of dishonesty or behavior that shocks the conscience. A crime involving moral turpitude can be either a misdemeanor or a felony. It doesn’t matter how the crime is classified, but rather the underlying behavior and crime itself. The court will apply a fact-specific analysis.

Examples of Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude

Since the definition is so broad, there are many examples of crimes involving moral turpitude. A judge must consider each case and the facts individually to decide if the behavior can be classified as such. A crime involving moral turpitude in one case may not be one in another. 

Some of the most common examples are:

  • Crimes Against Persons: Murder, voluntary manslaughter, rape, kidnapping, aggravated assault, spousal abuse, or child abuse.
  • Crimes Against Property: Robbery, theft, fraud, embezzlement, or forgery.
  • Sexual Offenses: Incest, bigamy, or statutory rape.
  • Crimes Against Government: Conspiracy, attempt, acting as an accessory, perjury, or bribery.

Whether or not the court will conclude that a crime is a crime involving moral turpitude is highly dependent on the facts of the case.

Consequences of Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude

Many consequences come along with a conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude. Anyone at risk of a conviction should make sure that they understand the consequences.

Immigration Consequences

The most significant consequences are immigration consequences. 

A crime involving moral turpitude conviction can lead to deportation, inadmissibility to the United States, and ineligibility for relief from certain immigration consequences. It can also be a bar to good moral character required for citizenship. Some may even face mandatory detention and removal proceedings because of the conviction.

These consequences can be devastating for non-citizens. Sometimes these consequences are even worse than jail time or fines. Even minor offenses can put someone at risk of a conviction with severe immigration consequences. That’s why any non-citizen needs to understand the potential immigration consequences. 

Professional Licenses

A conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude in Texas can lead to the suspension or loss of certain professional licenses. It may also prevent you from obtaining the license in the first place. 

Some of the professionals at risk include:

  • Real estate agents
  • Attorneys
  • Doctors
  • Accountants
  • Teachers
  • Midwives 

People who are facing a conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude should talk to a lawyer. They can get more information about their professional licenses and any issues that may arise. 

Social Stigma and Credibility Issues

Since many crimes involving moral turpitude have an element of dishonesty, a conviction can ruin someone’s reputation. Their friends and family may no longer trust them, and it can make it harder to find and keep a job. 

Furthermore, it can make the person less credible if they are ever called to testify in court. The opposing counsel may raise questions about their reliability by bringing up the prior crime of dishonesty. 

Contact a Lawyer If You’ve Been Charged With a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude

If you’ve been charged with a crime involving moral turpitude, it’s crucial to speak with an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. These charges can carry lasting consequences, including impacts on immigration status, employment, and reputation. A knowledgeable lawyer can help protect your rights, build a strong defense, and guide you through every step of the legal process.

For more information, please contact the criminal defense law firm of Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers for a consultation. Give us a call at (682) 777-3336 or visit our convenient location:

We serve the surrounding areas of Tarrant County and Fort Worth, TX.

Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers
604 E 4th St Ste 101
Fort Worth, TX 76102