Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys | July 29, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Being convicted of a crime always comes along with consequences, but crimes involving moral turpitude take it one step further. These serious crimes often involve fraudulent, deceitful behavior or harm to others and come with more severe repercussions if convicted.
This article will look at how crimes of moral turpitude are defined in New York, the consequences of being charged with such crimes, and what legal options may be available if you’re facing one of these charges.
How Is Moral Turpitude Defined in New York?
Crimes involving moral turpitude (CIMTs) are severe offenses considered to be against accepted societal morality and are generally regarded as wicked and deviant behavior. This concept serves as a classification standard for severe crimes involving fraud, harm, or other behavior that would generally be considered shocking to the rest of society.
A common issue with crimes involving moral turpitude is that there is no set definition or criteria that courts use. Comparing courts across the country or even within a state may show different definitions. New York law does not specifically define crimes of moral turpitude, but knowing how previous cases have been handled may help.
If there is any doubt about whether a case should be considered a CIMT, it may come down to judging moral turpitude on the state of mind or intent of the defendant. Intentional wrongful actions with knowledge of the harm that they will cause have a higher chance of being classified as involving moral turpitude.
Common Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude
While our state does not define specific crimes involving moral turpitude, certain offenses are more often classified as such:
- Murder and voluntary manslaughter
- Rape and sexual assault of a child
- Kidnapping
- Aggravated assault
- Spousal and child abuse
- Incest and bigamy
- Fraud, including paternity fraud
- Robbery and burglary
- Arson
- Prostitution
- Criminal threats
- Felony hit and runs
- Perjury
- Drug crimes
- Possession of a firearm by a felon
These offenses all share a common thread of harm to others and a strong negative perception from the overall society at large. If you have been accused of a crime that involves moral turpitude, you need to hire a criminal defense lawyer to build a strong case to defend yourself.
What Crimes Are Not Considered to Involve Moral Turpitude?
There are some offenses that courts do not commonly classify as involving moral turpitude, unless certain aggravating factors are present.
- First offenders driving under the influence
- Child endangerment
- Domestic violence against someone other than your spouse
- False imprisonment
- Involuntary manslaughter
Aggravating factors can include serious intent to harm, if the victim is considered a protected class, such as a minor, or other factors implying evil intent. Speaking with a criminal defense lawyer can help you determine if the crimes you are being charged with involve moral turpitude.
Consequences of Being Charged with a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude
Crimes involving moral turpitude are considered a more severe classification of offense, and criminal penalties are reflected in that.
In addition to criminal charges like prison time, fines, or community service, the consequences of convictions of CIMT may include:
- Threatening your immigration status
- Suspension of professional licenses
- Termination of government employment
- Limit your credibility, especially in court
For non-citizens of the United States, perhaps the most severe consequence is that your immigration status can be affected. Under the Immigration and Nationality Act, you may be classified as deportable or inadmissible, meaning you may be forcibly removed or prohibited from entering the country legally after a conviction.
Contact a New York Criminal Defense lawyer at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys Today
For more information, contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer at Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys, to schedule a free consultation today. We conveniently serve in 3 locations in New York, including Middletown, Newburgh, and Kingston.
We proudly serve Orange County, Ulster County, and their surrounding areas:
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys – Middletown
626 E Main St
Middletown, NY 10940
(845) 566 5345
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys – Newburgh
356 Meadow Ave
Newburgh, NY 12550
(845) 566-5345
Larkin Ingrassia Criminal Defense Attorneys – Kingston
233 Fair St Suite #1
Kingston, NY 12401
(845) 566-5345