Crimes of moral turpitude can come with additional punishment other than the initial jail time and fines. Many wonder: What exactly is a crime of moral turpitude – and is a DUI conviction an example? Keep reading to find out the answers to these questions and then contact Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055 if you are in need of a free legal consultation with an experienced attorney.

Situations in Which a DUI Can Be Considered a Crime of Moral Turpitude

Yes, in certain situations a DUI may be considered a crime of moral turpitude (CIMT). For example, if there were aggravating factors such as an injury that resulted from the DUI, if drugs were involved, or if the person who committed the DUI was not a citizen of the United States.

Potential Consequences of Crimes of Moral Turpitude

If you are convicted of a crime that is considered a crime of moral turpitude then you could end up facing issues with employment. This includes both keeping your job and getting a new job. If you have a professional license, a crime of moral turpitude could make you ineligible to keep it, and could prevent you from getting one if you plan to apply for one in the future.

Causes of CIMT Can Involve a Number of Issues

Most generally, a crime of CIMT will involve dishonesty and fraud, or immoral conduct. That is not all – the actions must have been intentional. If you committed these crimes by mistake, accidentally, or without a full understanding of what was going on, then it is not technically a crime of moral turpitude. When considering this, you can see that some crimes are always moral turpitude while others can be depending on the situation.

There Can Be Significant Immigration Penalties for a Crime of Moral Turpitude

One of the potential consequences of a conviction for a CMIT is that there will be immigration issues. Non-citizens are required to be able to show they have “good moral character.” If they are shown to not have good moral character, they could be deported or not allowed to come to the U.S. If the jail sentence is at last on year, and the person was convicted of the DUI within five years of being admitted to the United States, they can be deported.

Let an Attorney Help You Fight Charges of Moral Turpitude

If you have been charged with a crime that may come with CMIT, we strongly suggest that you talk to a criminal defense attorney who can help you find the best way forward. You can do that by calling Law Office of Michael L. Fell at (949) 585-9055. We will start with a free legal consultation so you know what your options are.