Having a mugshot online can seriously impact your Google search results, career opportunities, and personal life. Whether the charges were dropped, expunged, or years old, mugshot websites can keep these records online, making it harder to move forward.
What Are Mugshots and Why Are They Online?
A mugshot is the photo taken when someone is arrested, typically stored in police department records. Even if no charges are filed, or the case is dismissed, these images can still end up online.
How Do Mugshots Appear in Search Results?
- Public records – Many states allow public access to arrest records.
- Mugshot websites – Some sites profit by charging fees to remove images.
- News reports – Local media may publish arrest details, making them more visible.
- Google search indexing – Once posted online, mugshots can rank high in search results.
Without taking action, a mugshot can follow you for years, showing up whenever someone searches your name.
Are Mugshot Websites Legal?
Laws about mugshot publication and removal vary by state.
Federal Law & Mugshots
There are no federal laws requiring mugshot removal. However, privacy rights under the Privacy Act of 1974 protect personal information held by federal agencies, though this does not apply to mugshot websites.
State Laws on Mugshot Removal
Several states, including California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas, have laws prohibiting pay-for-removal schemes. This means websites cannot charge a fee to remove mugshots.
Examples of State-Specific Laws:
- Georgia (O.C.G.A.): Allows expungement of records and requires websites to remove mugshots upon request.
- California and New York: Banned mugshot pay-to-remove practices.
- Texas and Illinois: Protect individuals from websites profiting off mugshot removals.
Removal may require legal action or professional assistance if you live in a state without mugshot laws.
How to Remove Your Mugshot from the Internet
Step 1: Check If You’re Eligible for Removal
- Was your case dismissed or charges dropped?
- Has your record been expunged?
- Does your state have laws requiring mugshot removal?
If yes, you can legally request removal from certain websites.
Step 2: Contact the Website Hosting Your Mugshot
Most mugshot sites have contact pages or removal policies. Look for:
- “Contact Us” or “Mugshot Removal Policy” pages
- Email or support forms for submitting removal requests
- Instructions on whether they accept expungement orders
If your state has laws requiring removal, include a link to the law in your request.
Step 3: Send a Formal Removal Request
If the website allows removal, send a professional request with:
- Your full name and date of birth
- The URL link to the mugshot
- Proof of expungement (if applicable)
- A clear explanation of why it should be removed
Example:
“Dear [Website Name],
I recently discovered my mugshot on your website at [link]. My case was dismissed, and my record has been expunged under [state law]. Please remove this image as required by law. Let me know if further documentation is needed.
Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.”
Step 4: Seek Professional Assistance If Necessary
Some websites ignore requests, making removal difficult without legal help or a reputation management service.
When to Seek Help:
- The website refuses to remove your mugshot
- The site demands payment for removal (illegal in some states)
- Your mugshot appears on multiple websites
What If Your Mugshot Still Won’t Be Removed?
1. Push It Down in Search Results
If the mugshot cannot be removed, you can bury it under positive content.
- Create new online profiles (LinkedIn, personal website, blog)
- Publish press releases or news articles about your achievements
- Post content to social media (Google prefers fresh content)
2. Legal Action (Last Resort)
If a website refuses to remove your mugshot and your state laws support removal, you may consider sending a legal demand letter or filing a lawsuit for defamation (if false information is included).
Options include:
- Hiring an Internet law attorney
- Seeking a court order for content removal
- Filing a complaint with the state attorney general (if laws are violated)
Legal action should be a last resort, as it can be costly and time-consuming.
How Mugshots Impact Your Reputation
Even if an arrest was minor or dismissed, a mugshot can:
- Hurt job prospects – Employers often search for candidates online.
- Affect relationships – Friends, family, or partners may judge based on old records.
- Create financial issues – Some people lose business deals or loan approvals due to mugshots in Google search results.
How to Protect Your Privacy & Reputation
- Monitor your name in search results – Use Google Alerts to track mentions.
- Use online privacy tools – Services like NetReputation can remove harmful content and improve your search presence.
- Be proactive about your digital footprint – Regularly update professional profiles to keep positive content visible.
If a mugshot appears online, you have options. You can take control of your online reputation through legal requests, SEO strategies, or professional help.