Theft and “Moral Turpitude” in Texas: Why It Matters

The seriousness of theft cases, regardless of the item’s value, stems from the fact that it’s often classified as a crime of moral turpitude. This term broadly refers to conduct that is considered base, vile, or depraved – essentially, an act that is morally wrong. Crimes involving dishonesty, like theft, fall into this category, making them particularly concerning in the eyes of employers and immigration authorities.

Impact on Your Employment

Imagine an employer considering two candidates, both equally qualified, but one has a theft conviction on their record. The employer might understandably be hesitant to hire the individual with the theft conviction due to concerns about future trustworthiness. What if that employee were to steal sensitive information, credit card details, or money from clients? If the employer knew about the prior theft conviction and hired them anyway, they could potentially be held liable for the subsequent harm. In essence, a theft conviction can severely limit your career prospects, acting as a significant barrier to upward mobility. For many, it can feel like a “death sentence” for their career aspirations.

Impact on Your Immigration Status

Theft Criminal Defense Lawyer

The consequences of a theft charge don’t stop at employment. For non-citizens, these types of crimes can have a profound impact on their immigration status. A theft conviction can be a major factor in determining whether someone is eligible to become a U.S. citizen. The reasoning is similar to that of an employer: the government has a responsibility to protect its citizens. Allowing someone with a demonstrated propensity for theft to become a citizen could be seen as a failure to uphold that responsibility. This is why it’s absolutely critical to vigorously fight against a theft charge resulting in a conviction if your immigration status is at stake.

Don’t Face a Theft Charge Alone: Hire an Experienced Lawyer

The most important thing to understand is that you don’t have to navigate a theft charge by yourself. It is absolutely crucial to take every possible step to prevent the charge from becoming a permanent conviction on your record. Furthermore, once the case is resolved favorably, exploring options to seal your record through an Order of Non-Disclosure or Expunction is vital to protect your future opportunities.

Contact our dedicated criminal defense lawyers at Beltz Law Group today to discuss the specifics of your theft case and explore the legal options available to you. We are committed to providing you with the strong defense you need to protect your record and your future.