Crimes of Moral Turpitude: What You Should Know

 Posted on August 14, 2026 in Immigration

A crime of moral turpitude is a criminal offense that involves dishonesty, fraud, or conduct that violates accepted moral standards. A conviction for this type of crime can have serious consequences for your immigration status. This term often confuses people. It doesn't refer to a single specific crime. Instead, it's a broad category that can affect your ability to stay in the United States, obtain a visa, or become a citizen.

If you're facing a charge that could be classified this way in 2026, our DuPage County, IL immigration lawyer can help you understand what's at stake and how to protect your future.

What Makes a Crime One of Moral Turpitude?

There's no single statute that lists every crime considered morally turpitudinous. This makes this area of law particularly confusing for many people. Under 8 U.S.C. Section 1182, a conviction for, or certain admissions involving, a crime of moral turpitude can make a person inadmissible to the United States.

Courts and immigration authorities generally describe crimes involving moral turpitude in a specific way. These crimes involve conduct that's seen as seriously wrong. The person also has to know what they were doing, or mean to do it.

Immigration authorities use something called the categorical approach to decide whether a conviction qualifies. This approach looks at the law you were convicted under, not the specific facts of what you actually did. Some laws cover more than one type of conduct. When that's the case, a modified categorical approach may apply instead.

What Types of Crimes Are Commonly Considered Moral Turpitude?

Certain categories of crimes are frequently classified as crimes of moral turpitude due to the nature of the conduct involved. Common examples include:

• Fraud-related offenses, including forgery and identity theft
• Theft crimes, such as robbery and burglary
• Crimes involving intent to cause serious bodily harm
• Certain sex offenses
• Crimes involving perjury or making false statements

Not every crime within these general categories will automatically be classified as moral turpitude. The specific facts and elements of the offense are important in this determination.

Are All Theft Crimes Considered Moral Turpitude?

Not every theft offense automatically counts as a crime involving moral turpitude. A theft offense generally qualifies when it requires the person to mean to take the owner's property for good, or in a way that badly damages the owner's rights to it.

A brief or minor temporary taking may be treated differently because of this. It's not the same as a taking that seriously deprives an owner of the property's value or use. The exact wording of the theft law matters a great deal here. It plays a key role in deciding how a conviction affects someone's immigration case.

How Does a Moral Turpitude Conviction Affect Your Immigration Status?

A conviction for a crime of moral turpitude can affect your immigration status in several serious ways. This can include making you inadmissible if you're applying for a visa or green card. It can also make you removable from the United States if you're already a lawful permanent resident. It can even affect your eligibility for naturalization as a U.S. citizen.

The specific consequences often depend on several factors. These factors include when the crime was committed relative to your immigration status. They also include whether it's your first such conviction. The maximum possible sentence associated with the crime matters too.

How Can an Immigration Attorney Help With a Moral Turpitude Case?

An immigration attorney can review the specific charges you're facing and explain how they might be classified under immigration law. They can also work alongside your criminal defense attorney to negotiate outcomes that minimize immigration consequences. They can help you understand what options might be available if you're already facing removal proceedings based on a prior conviction.

Contact Our Bloomingdale, IL Immigration Attorney for a Free Consultation

For more than 40 years, Attorney Steven H. Mevorah has been serving the needs of immigrants throughout Northern Illinois. He brings deep experience to cases involving the intersection of criminal charges and immigration consequences. He understands how much is at stake for families navigating these complicated legal issues.

Contact Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices at 630-932-9100 to talk to our DuPage County immigration lawyer today.