What is a Crime of Moral Turpitude List?
In criminal law, a crime of moral turpitude refers to an act that offends against the moral laws and principles of society, and is considered to be a serious violation of justice and morality. Crimes of moral turpitude can have significant consequences, such as deportation, loss of professional licenses, and long-term imprisonment.
The Definition of Moral Turpitude
Moral turpitude is a legal concept that is difficult to define and is often subject to varying interpretations. However, most courts agree that it includes acts that are considered harmful, immoral, or malicious. Some examples of crimes that are typically considered to be of moral turpitude include:
• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Rape and other forms of sexual violence
• Child abuse or exploitation
• Fraud, embezzlement, and other forms of white-collar crime
• Obstruction of justice
• Perjury
• Tampering with evidence
Examples of Crimes of Moral Turpitude
Crimes of moral turpitude can be categorized into various types, including:
- Violent Crimes:
Murder, attempted murder, assault, battery, and other forms of violent behavior. - Financial Crimes:
Fraud, embezzlement, theft, bribery, and other forms of financial misconduct. - Misconduct in Public Office:
Public corruption, bribery, election fraud, and other forms of official misconduct. - Sexual Crimes:
Rape, sexual assault, child exploitation, and other forms of sexual misconduct. - Economic Crimes:
Identity theft, trafficking, and other forms of commercial fraud.
Consequences of Crimes of Moral Turpitude
Crimes of moral turpitude can have far-reaching consequences, including:
• Deportation: Non-citizens convicted of crimes of moral turpitude may be eligible for deportation.
• Loss of Professional Licenses: Professionals convicted of crimes of moral turpitude may have their licenses suspended or revoked.
• Long-Term Imprisonment: Crimes of moral turpitude often carry long-term imprisonment or even life imprisonment.
• Social Stigma: Convictions for crimes of moral turpitude can result in social stigma, making it difficult to gain employment or reintegrate into society.
Table 1: Examples of Crimes of Moral Turpitude and Their Consequences
| Crime | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Murder | Long-term imprisonment, deportation, and social stigma |
| Sexual Assault | Long-term imprisonment, loss of professional licenses, and social stigma |
| Fraud | Long-term imprisonment, loss of professional licenses, and social stigma |
| Child Abuse | Long-term imprisonment, loss of professional licenses, and social stigma |
| Bribery | Long-term imprisonment, loss of professional licenses, and social stigma |
Can Crimes of Moral Turpitude be Expunged?
In some cases, crimes of moral turpitude may be expunged, or wiped from an individual’s record. However, this depends on the specific laws of the jurisdiction and the facts of the case. Typically, expungement of a crime of moral turpitude requires:
- A period of time passing since the conviction (which can vary from 2-10 years)
- A showing of rehabilitation, such as completion of prison or probation
- Good behavior and no further crimes committed
Conclusion
Crimes of moral turpitude are serious legal offenses that can have severe consequences. It is important for individuals to understand the definition and examples of moral turpitude, and to take steps to ensure that they do not engage in behavior that is illegal and harmful to society. If you or someone you know has been charged with a crime of moral turpitude, it is important to seek legal guidance and representation to navigate the legal system and achieve a favorable outcome.
