The Board of Immigration Appeals (BIA) defined a Crime of Moral Turpitude as conduct that shocks the public conscience that's inherently base, vile, depraved, contrary to the rules of morality and fellow man or society in general.  This definition is incredibly vague, which is why its incredibly important for any person without legal status or that is in the process of being admitted or changing legal status to consult with a criminal attorney that understands immigration law.  INA 212(a)(2)(A)(i)(I) states- generally-persons who have been convicted of a crime involving moral turpitude, Jordan v De George, 341 U.S.  223 (1951), that admitted comittign acts that constitute the essential elements of such a crime are inadmissable. A skilled attorney will do everything possible to avoid allowing you to get convicted of a crime of moral turpitude or taking a plea in abeyance (since it's a conviction for purposes of immigration law). 

 

Several crimes in Utah constitute a  crime of moral turpitude at this time (for example retail theft, and cases involving domestic violence).  We understands that there are certain ways around inamissability for a crime of moral turpitude such as the petty offense exception, and more importantly changing the crime being charged.  Feel free to Call the Martinez Law Firm to consult regrding the possible immigration consequences for the current crime you are  facing.