How to Remove Mugshots and Arrest Info from the Internet

How to Remove Mugshots and Arrest Info from the Internet

Getting arrested can be a scary and embarrassing experience. Even if the charges are eventually dropped or you are found not guilty, having your mugshot and arrest information available online can negatively impact your life. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to get mugshots and arrest records removed from the internet.

Understand Your Legal Options

The first step is understanding your legal options for getting mugshots taken down. Laws vary by state, but here are some common ways to potentially get mugshots removed:

• Request removal through mugshot websites – Some states like Florida have laws allowing individuals to request mugshot removal directly through mugshot websites.
• Expungement – Getting your criminal record expunged can sometimes lead to mugshots being removed.
• Sealing of records – Similar to expungement, sealing your criminal record may help get mugshots taken down.
• Legal action – Suing mugshot websites for issues like defamation or exploiting your likeness may convince them to remove the mugshot.

Consulting with a lawyer knowledgeable about mugshot laws is highly recommended, as they can advise you on the best legal strategies based on your specific situation.

Send Removal Requests

If your state has a mugshot removal law, take advantage of it! Draft a removal request letter citing the relevant law, and be sure to include identifying information like your mugshot photo, arrest details, full legal name, etc. Send the request through registered mail to create a paper trail.

The mugshot website then typically has 10 days to comply before facing penalties like fines. However, be aware that not all sites comply with removal laws. Having a lawyer send the requests on your behalf can make companies take them more seriously.

Try Automated Mugshot Removal Services

Companies like NetReputation and RemoveMyMugshot offer automated mugshot removal services. For a fee, they will send legal removal requests to mugshot sites and claim to have high success rates. However, results aren’t guaranteed and you can potentially get mugshots removed yourself for free through the other methods discussed.

Submit Google Removal Requests

Even if you get the mugshots removed from third-party sites, Google search results may still show mugshot images and arrest info. You can request that Google remove pages with your mugshot through their legal removal process. Simply explain how the information is outdated, irrelevant, unlawful, defamatory, etc.

Opt-Out of Data Brokers

Data brokers like Intelius and MyLife aggregate public records like arrests and make them searchable online. Opting out of major data brokers potentially keeps your arrest info out of their systems.

Bury Negative Search Results

If you can’t get mugshots removed entirely, you can try pushing them down in Google results by increasing your online presence. Methods include:

• Building out social media profiles with your name
• Creating a personal website with positive content
• Submitting press releases and guest blog posts that come up for your name

The more positive content you have ranking for your name, the further down negative mugshot and arrest content gets pushed.

Monitor Your Online Presence

Be proactive about monitoring what comes up when someone searches your name online. Set up Google Alerts for your name so you’re notified of any new content. Check mugshot sites regularly in case your mugshot reappears. The sooner you catch a new posting, the faster you can act to get it removed.

Prevent Future Mugshot Postings

If you have a common name, online reputation monitoring becomes harder. Some ways to help prevent your mugshot from spreading in the future include:

• Avoid getting arrested again
• If arrested, avoid smiling or acting oddly in mugshot photos
• Hire a reputation management firm to monitor on your behalf
• Legally change your name if needed to disassociate from past mugshots

Being proactive is key – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure when it comes to mugshot removal.

Don’t Pay Mugshot Extortion Sites

Some mugshot sites engage in extortion-like practices – demanding exorbitant fees to remove mugshots while threatening to spread them further if you don’t pay. Avoid paying these sites at all costs, as:

• It encourages them to keep exploiting people
• There’s no guarantee they’ll actually remove the mugshots
• The fees are generally unjustified and excessive

Report extortion attempts to the authorities and contact a lawyer to understand your options for fighting back.

Be Persistent

Removing mugshots and arrest records from the internet takes time and continued effort. If your first removal attempts fail, follow up through additional legal channels. Hire a lawyer if needed to compel mugshot sites through legal threats. Don’t give up at the first roadblock.

With persistence, utilizing available legal options, monitoring your online presence, and avoiding future arrests, you can minimize the long-term impact that mugshots and arrest records have on your life.