What Are Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude?
“Crimes involving moral turpitude” is a legal term that comes up often in Alabama criminal cases, yet many people have never heard of it until they’re facing charges. This concept doesn’t actually refer to one specific offense. Instead, it describes a category of crimes that are seen as more morally wrong than most.
Whether your charges fall into this category matters more than you might think. A conviction for a crime involving moral turpitude (CIMT) can affect everything from your professional licenses to your immigration status. In many cases, the collateral consequences extend far beyond the criminal penalties themselves.
How Does the Law Define Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude?
There is no single statute in Alabama that lists every crime involving moral turpitude. However, the concept plays a major role in federal immigration law. As a result, federal officials have developed a working, albeit vague, definition over time. Generally speaking, a CIMT is any offense that involves conduct that is depraved or is especially immoral.
Since the definition is broad and there is no complete list, the classification can be hard to predict. That said, courts have consistently treated certain offenses as CIMTs.
These generally include:
- Theft
- Fraud
- Assault with intent to cause serious harm
- Murder
- Manslaughter
- Domestic violence
- Drug trafficking
- Robbery
- Burglary
- Perjury
- Sexual offenses
- Forgery
- Embezzlement
The line often comes down to whether the offense involved intentional wrongdoing or a level of dishonesty that goes beyond simple carelessness.
What Are the Collateral Consequences of a CIMT Conviction?
A CIMT conviction in Alabama can trigger consequences that go well beyond fines and jail time. Some of the most serious collateral effects include the following:
Impact on Immigration Status
For non-citizens, a CIMT conviction can lead to deportation as well as being barred from re-entering the United States. Federal immigration law treats these offenses with particular severity. Lawful permanent residents can also face removal proceedings after a single CIMT conviction in certain situations.
Professional Licensing Consequences
Many professions in Alabama require background checks and good moral character evaluations. A CIMT conviction can result in the loss or denial of professional licenses in fields like healthcare, law, education, and finance. For people who have spent years building a career, this can be one of the most harmful results of a conviction.
Impeachment as a Witness
Under Alabama’s rules of evidence, a person convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude can have their credibility called into question if they testify in court. This means a past CIMT conviction could weaken your testimony in future legal proceedings, whether civil or criminal.
What Should I Do if I’m Facing CIMT Charges in Alabama?
If you’ve been charged with an offense that could qualify as a crime involving moral turpitude, acting early gives you the best chance at protecting your future. A criminal defense attorney can assess whether the charges actually meet the CIMT standard under Alabama law and can build a defense strategy based on the facts of your case.
In some situations, it may be possible to negotiate a plea to a lesser offense that does not carry the moral turpitude label. That kind of outcome can make a major difference for your record and for the collateral consequences you might otherwise face.
Contact an Alabama Criminal Defense Lawyer at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. for a Free Consultation
Crimes involving moral turpitude carry consequences that can follow you for years. If you’re facing charges that fall under this category, setting up a free consultation with an experienced criminal defense lawyer is likely in your best interest.
For more information, contact an experienced Birmingham criminal defense attorney at Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C. for a free consultation.
We proudly serve clients in Birmingham and all throughout Alabama.
Jaffe, Hanle, Whisonant & Knight, P.C.
2320 Arlington Ave S, Suite 100, Birmingham, AL 35205
(205) 930-9800