Last updated November 2025
You’ve probably heard the phrase “crime of moral turpitude” before — especially if you’re dealing with immigration, licensing, or a background check. But what exactly does it mean in Florida?
Unlike other legal definitions, “moral turpitude” isn’t a specific charge — it’s a label courts and agencies use to describe crimes that reflect dishonesty, fraud, or moral wrongdoing.
And it can follow you long after your case is over.
🧾 What Qualifies as a Crime of Moral Turpitude?
Florida law doesn’t have a statute that specifically defines moral turpitude. Instead, it’s a federal legal concept often used by:
Immigration courts
Professional licensing boards
Government agencies
Employers conducting background checks
Crimes involving fraud, deceit, theft, or violence are the most commonly cited examples.
Common examples include:
Theft and grand theft
Fraud (credit card fraud, insurance fraud, etc.)
Perjury
Prostitution-related offenses
Animal cruelty
💡 Not all felonies are crimes of moral turpitude, and some misdemeanors may be considered CIMTs depending on the context.
🛂 Immigration Consequences
For non-citizens, being convicted of a crime of moral turpitude in Florida can trigger:
Deportation
Denial of naturalization
Inadmissibility to the U.S.
Ineligibility for adjustment of status (green card)
Even a withhold of adjudication may be treated as a conviction for immigration purposes.
📋 Professional Licensing Consequences
Many Florida licensing boards consider crimes of moral turpitude as grounds for:
Denial of certification
Suspension or revocation of licenses (healthcare, law, education, etc.)
Mandatory disclosure during application or renewal
🛡️ How We Defend Clients Accused of CIMTs
At Michael White, P.A., we approach these cases with care — because the label can be as damaging as the conviction itself.
🔹 Charge Reduction or Reclassification
We work to reduce CIMTs to non-turpitudinous offenses, such as lowering grand theft to petit theft, or assault to disorderly conduct.
🔹 Withhold of Adjudication
In some cases, we negotiate for a withhold to avoid a formal conviction — but we also advise clients on how that may still affect immigration or licensing.
🔹 Immigration-Safe Pleas
For non-citizens, we coordinate with immigration counsel to structure plea agreements that protect legal status.
🔹 Expungement and Record Sealing
If the case is eligible and not convicted, we help seal or expunge records to limit long-term damage.
✅ Why Clients Hire Michael White
✅ Former prosecutor with experience in fraud, violence, and theft cases
✅ Trusted by professionals, non-citizens, and students with licensing concerns
✅ Strategic negotiation with long-term consequences in mind
✅ Clear, proactive communication throughout the process
📞 Charged With a Crime of Moral Turpitude in Florida? The Label May Matter More Than the Sentence.
Let us help you protect your future — before it’s too late.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
📄 What is considered a crime of moral turpitude in Florida?
There is no Florida statute, but crimes involving fraud, deceit, theft, or violence are often labeled as CIMTs.
🧑⚖️ Can a misdemeanor be a crime of moral turpitude?
Yes. Even a misdemeanor can be considered a CIMT if it involves dishonesty or serious harm.
🛂 Will I be deported for a CIMT conviction?
Possibly. Some CIMTs can result in deportation or denial of immigration benefits — especially if you have prior offenses.
📉 Can I seal or expunge a CIMT?
Only if you’re not convicted and meet all eligibility criteria. CIMTs are not automatically excluded from sealing or expungement, but many felony convictions are.
⚠️ What if I’ve already pled guilty to a CIMT?
You may still have options — including post-conviction relief or immigration-safe motions. But time is critical.