Google Mugshot Removal Made Easy: Getting Your Arrest Photo Off Page 1

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Why Google Mugshot Removal Matters in 2025

Having your mugshot visible online can damage nearly every part of your life. Employers, landlords, and even friends or partners are just a search away from seeing your past. And while everyone deserves a second chance, the internet isn’t always so forgiving.

Whether your charges were dropped, sealed, or expunged, your mugshot might still appear in Google search results. Fortunately, there are actionable strategies to get it removed, buried, or legally challenged.

The Legal Landscape: Can Mugshots Be Posted on Google?

Yes. Mugshots are considered public records in many states, which allows them to be indexed by search engines and hosted on third-party websites. However, several states have passed laws that restrict or penalize mugshot exploitation.

Mugshot Publication Laws by State

Some states with protective laws include:

• California: Prohibits publication of mugshots if charges did not lead to conviction.
• Utah: Requires mugshot sites to remove images upon request.
• Texas: Outlaws charging a fee for mugshot removal.

Consult the NCSL’s Expungement Guide for your state’s laws.

Note: Even if publishing is legal, some mugshot sites violate Google’s policies or consumer protection laws.

Step-by-Step Guide to Google Mugshot Removal

Step 1: Locate the Mugshot in Google

Search for your full name in quotes:

"Jane Smith" mugshot OR arrest

Take note of the top-ranking URLs where your mugshot appears. Check:

• Google Images
• Google News tab
• Pages 1–3 of search results

Create a document listing the:

• Website name
• URL
• Screenshot of the mugshot

Step 2: Determine Eligibility for Removal

Your chances of removal increase significantly if:

• Charges were dismissed
• Case was expunged or sealed
• You were found not guilty
• The arrest happened years ago and violates privacy standards

Step 3: Request Removal From the Hosting Website

Most mugshot websites include a takedown request form or email.

What to include in your message:

• Court records proving expungement/dismissal
• Government-issued ID
• URL of the offending content
• Polite but firm language

Sample Email Template:

Subject: Takedown Request - Expunged Mugshot

Dear Administrator,

I am writing to request the removal of a mugshot photo located at [URL]. The arrest associated with this image was expunged/dismissed by [Court Name] on [Date].

Attached are supporting documents for your review.

Please confirm when the image has been taken down.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Step 4: Submit a Google Removal Request

If the website ignores your request or refuses to remove the mugshot, take it to Google.

Visit: Google Content Removal Tool

Select the option for “Remove information you see in Google Search” and follow the prompts.

You’ll Need:

• The page URL
• Screenshots of the mugshot
• Proof of legal expungement or dismissal (if applicable)

Important: Google may not remove content if it doesn’t violate their personal information policies, but de-indexing can still be achieved in many cases.

Step 5: Suppress the Mugshot With SEO

If removal fails, push the content off page one with positive, optimized content.

Content Types That Work:

• Personal blogs with your name in the domain
• Press releases
• Business profiles on Crunchbase, About.me, Medium
• Social media accounts using your full name

Tips:

• Use schema markup for rich search snippets
• Maintain NAP (Name, Address, Phone) consistency
• Embed videos and images for enhanced ranking

SEO suppression can bury negative links over time if done strategically and consistently.

Step 6: Enlist a Professional Mugshot Removal Service

For high-stakes cases or complex removals, professional help is often the fastest path to resolution.

Why Work With Defamation Defenders:

• Years of experience with mugshot and arrest record removal
• Proven results removing listings from high-authority websites
• Legal assistance with expungement verification and takedown enforcement
• Full-service reputation management and Google suppression

Get expert help now and reclaim your search results.

SEO Suppression Strategy: How to Push Down Mugshots

When you can’t delete a result, push it down with superior content.

High-Value Properties to Use:

• LinkedIn: Build a keyword-rich, public profile
• YouTube: Upload professional videos using your name
• Google Sites: Create a personal or business website
• WordPress.com: Publish blogs with backlinks
• Substack: Share newsletters or commentary

Create and publish weekly content optimized with your full name to boost authority and outrank mugshot URLs.

Removing Mugshots From Google Images

Mugshots that appear in Google Images can be removed by:

1. Deleting the source image (via takedown)
2. Requesting Google remove the indexed image
3. Using the Google Images Removal Form

Pro tip: Image optimization of your personal photos can help displace mugshot images.

Key Facts About Mugshot Removal

• Timeframe: Removals from Google take 1–4 weeks after the source is removed.
• Legal Basis: Expungement, sealed records, and inaccurate info can justify takedown.
• Google’s Role: Google doesn’t host content but may remove it from search results.
• Private Sites: Removal depends on the site’s policies or applicable state laws.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

MLA Citations:

“How to Remove Mugshots from the Internet.” American Bar Association, www.americanbar.org/groups/crsj/publications/human_rights_magazine_home/criminal-justice/criminal-record-clearing/.

“Expungement and Sealing of Criminal Records Statutes.” National Conference of State Legislatures, www.ncsl.org/research/civil-and-criminal-justice/expungement-and-sealing-of-criminal-records-statutes.aspx.

“Remove Information from Google.” Google Support, support.google.com/websearch/troubleshooter/3111061.

“Personal Information Removal Policies.” Google, support.google.com/websearch/answer/9673730.