What is an “act of moral turpitude?”

Conduct that is contrary to justice, honest, or morality would be considered an act of moral turpitude. Certain crimes and the underlying behavior will often fall into this category and therefore be the subject of a required complaint. They include, but are not limited to: murder, manslaughter, trafficking, treason, assault, including domestic assault, extortion, fraud, bribery, forgery, burglary, bribery, perjury, rape, pandering, prostitution, incest, abandonment, kidnapping, and child abuse. An act of moral turpitude would include conspiracy to commit any of these acts or the attempt to commit any of these acts. If you have any questions about whether an act would fall into this category, please contact your own legal counsel.