Effects of Crimes of Moral Turpitude on Immigration Status

By Eduardo Paredes

Introduction

Based in Los Angeles, Eduardo Paredes is an immigration and criminal defense attorney. He began his private practice in 2002.

Immigrants can face a unique set of complications arising from a criminal conviction, and in some cases may risk deportation. For instance, crimes of “moral turpitude,” which can cover an often ambiguously expansive range of offenses, are listed in U.S. Immigration Law to be grounds for the person convicted to be deported. Some crimes of moral turpitude include intent to harm property or people, fraud, larceny, DUIs, and intent to rob or kill.

Crime of Moral Turpitude

If a crime of moral turpitude is committed during the first five years of admission into the United States, or if two or more separate crimes are committed any time after admission, a person might be brought into deportation proceedings.

Some immigrants are eligible for a moral turpitude crime waiver. However, the specific requirements for such waivers rely heavily on the person's criminal and immigration history.

Crimes of violence for which an accuused has used or threatened to use violence against another person may also be grounds of deportation.

Conclusion

This type of crime may be committed by a person's statements, if such statements are made in a threatening manner. In fact, Congress has authorized the automatic deportation of people who fall within this category.

Distinguishing a deportable crime from one that does not cause deportation requires expert knowledge in criminal law as well as immigration law. Attorney Eduardo Paredes is pleased to offer representation in both areas of law.

Visit attorney Eduardo Paredes at eduardoparedes.com or jailorbail.com