Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys | July 14, 2026 | Criminal Defense
Most people charged with a crime in New Mexico are focused on the immediate penalties they could be facing, like fines and jail time. What many don’t realize is that certain offenses carry an additional legal label that can cause just as much damage down the road.
If the crime you’re charged with qualifies as a “crime involving moral turpitude,” the fallout can extend far beyond the courtroom. Learn more about how these cases work below, including what you can do to protect your legal rights with help from a criminal defense attorney.
Offenses That Typically Qualify as Crimes Involving Moral Turpitude
There is no single master list of crimes involving moral turpitude in New Mexico, nor under federal law. Courts make this determination on a case-by-case basis by looking at the specific language of the criminal statute involved.
However, certain categories of offenses are widely recognized as CIMTs:
- Fraud-related crimes, including forgery and insurance fraud
- Theft offenses where the defendant intended to permanently take someone else’s property
- Embezzlement and other financial crimes that involve a breach of trust
- Murder and other intentional acts of serious violence
- Sexual offenses, including criminal sexual penetration
- Child abuse and domestic violence involving significant physical harm
- Perjury and other crimes that undermine the justice system
On the other hand, offenses that involve simple negligence will generally fall outside this classification. Trespassing is an example of an offense that likely would not constitute a CIMT.
How a CIMT Conviction Can Affect Your Future in New Mexico
New Mexico’s Criminal Offender Employment Act (NMSA § 28-2-4) gives licensing boards the authority to revoke a professional license based on a conviction for a felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude. This applies across a wide range of licensed professions, such as attorneys and teachers.
For non-citizens, the consequences can be even more severe. Under federal immigration law, a CIMT conviction can make a person inadmissible to the United States or trigger deportation proceedings. A single conviction within five years of being admitted to the country can be enough to put your immigration status at risk in some cases.
What to Do if You’ve Been Charged with a Crime Involving Moral Turpitude
If you’re facing charges for an offense that could be classified as a crime involving moral turpitude, the steps you take early on can shape the outcome of your case.
These include:
- Contact a criminal defense attorney right away, before speaking with law enforcement.
- Do not accept a plea deal without first understanding whether the charge qualifies as a CIMT.
- Gather any documents and evidence that may support your defense.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, consult with an immigration attorney alongside your criminal defense lawyer.
Your defense attorney may be able to negotiate a plea to a lesser charge that does not carry the moral turpitude designation. However, note that no outcome can be guaranteed in advance.
Contact an Albuquerque Criminal Defense Lawyer at Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys to Schedule a Free Consultation
Crimes involving moral turpitude carry potential penalties and consequences that other offenses don’t. If you’re facing a charge like this in New Mexico, it’s important to take the matter seriously and seek legal help as soon as you can.
Schedule a free consultation with a criminal defense lawyer near you today to learn more. Remember that in any criminal case, the prosecution still has the burden of establishing your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney in Albuquerque, NM at Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys today for a free consultation.
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Jones Criminal Defense Attorneys – Downtown
1011 Lomas Blvd NW suite 105, Albuquerque, NM 87102
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