Judicial Deportation

• Although the U.S. Attorneys' Manual admits that "moral turpitude" remains a "nebulous concept," it lists several such crimes relevant to deportation proceedings. For example, any crime with intent to defraud might be grounds for judicial deportation because it demonstrates moral turpitude. Crimes that "shock the conscience" also demonstrate moral turpitude for deportation purposes. These crimes include murder, kidnapping, robbery and aggravated assault.
  
  

Visa Denials

• The United States denies visas to people with histories of moral turpitude violations.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  The U.S. Department of State's Foreign Affairs Manual defines three key elements of moral turpitude violations: fraud, larceny or intent to harm persons or things. When crimes against property, government or family contain one or more of these elements, they demonstrate moral turpitude. Offenses containing at least one element include bigamy, child abandonment, rape, murder, perjury and counterfeiting. Some crimes might not be moral turpitude violations, depending on intent. For example, tax evasion only counts if the offender intended to defraud. Aiding and abetting or conspiracy to commit a moral turpitude violation also demonstrates "moral turpitude."
  
  

State Criminal Codes

• Some states define moral turpitude violations in their criminal codes. The specific crimes vary by state and may even include misdemeanors such as shoplifting. In Alaska, "moral turpitude" refers to conduct that would be wrong even if it weren't illegal, including sexual abuse of minors, homicide, forgery, witness tampering, furnishing alcohol to minors, arson and criminal impersonation.
  
  

Professional Standards

• Doctors who commit moral turpitude violations can destroy patient trust.Jupiterimages/Goodshoot/Getty Images
  
  Some states revoke licenses for moral turpitude violations related to the duties of a profession. In Washington, this kind of violation might include noncriminal acts as well as criminal ones. Likewise, educators in Pennsylvania might face disciplinary action for moral turpitude violations, which include "misconduct in the private and social duties" owed to others. Licensing boards might also screen applicants for moral turpitude violations.