How to Erase Mugshots from the Internet in 2025: Step-by-Step Legal and SEO Guide

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Why Mugshots Appear Online and Why You Should Care

Mugshots are public records in many states. However, when these records get scraped and published on mugshot websites, they often rank high in search engines—casting a long shadow over one’s reputation. These online mugshots can interfere with:

• Job opportunities
• Housing applications
• Relationships
• Loans or credit checks

Even if charges are dropped or records expunged, mugshots can remain visible, negatively impacting perception. Employers, landlords, and acquaintances who search your name might form instant judgments based on outdated or irrelevant arrest records. That’s why learning how to erase mugshots from the internet is more than a vanity issue—it’s a step toward reclaiming your narrative.

Is It Legal to Publish Mugshots?

In most states, yes—mugshots are treated as public records and publishing them is not illegal. However, practices vary by jurisdiction, and some states have taken steps to regulate or ban the monetization of mugshot databases.

For example:

• California bans charging for mugshot removal under SB 1027.
• Georgia requires free removal requests to be honored under OCGA § 35-1-19.
• Oregon, Texas, and Utah have similar restrictions.

You can check your state’s laws via this source.

Laws are evolving. In 2025, more legislation is being proposed to classify mugshot monetization as a consumer protection violation under the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).

Step-by-Step Guide to Erase Mugshots in 2025

Step 1: Confirm the Mugshot’s Presence

Search your name in Google, Bing, and DuckDuckGo. Take screenshots and note:

• URLs where the mugshot appears
• Hosting platforms (i.e., Mugshots.zone, BustedMugshots, etc.)
• Page rank in search results
• Any aliases or middle initials used in listings

This will help track progress and structure your takedown strategy.

Step 2: Determine If the Mugshot is Eligible for Removal

Ask these questions:

• Has the arrest been expunged or sealed?
• Was the case dropped, dismissed, or did it result in acquittal?
• Is the site under a legal obligation in your state to remove it?

If any apply, you may be entitled to free removal.

Pro Tip: Even if your state doesn’t mandate free removal, a court order from an expungement can be powerful leverage.

Step 3: Send a Legal Takedown Request

For arrest records removed from official databases:

• File a DMCA complaint with the site and Google.
• Use a cease-and-desist letter for defamation or false context.
• Cite state-specific laws if applicable.

Example legal language:

Per OCGA § 35-1-19, you are legally required to remove this mugshot at no charge upon request. I hereby demand its immediate removal.

In many cases, the site may ignore you unless you show legal weight. Consider sending your demand via certified mail and retaining a copy.

Step 4: Remove the Mugshot from Search Engines

Once the image is deleted from the source, use:

• Google’s Remove Outdated Content Tool
• Bing’s Content Removal Tool

Important: You cannot request removal from Google if the source site still hosts the mugshot. The source must first be updated.

Google typically processes these requests within a week, but it can take up to 30 days for the change to reflect in search results.

Step 5: Suppress with SEO and Reputation Content

If removal fails, suppression is key. Push the mugshot down in search rankings using:

• Press releases distributed to newswires
• Blog posts and personal websites optimized with schema markup
• LinkedIn, Facebook, and other public profiles with rich keyword targeting
• YouTube videos and interviews using your full name in metadata
• Guest posts on industry sites with your byline and bio

SEO suppression requires consistency. Create a content calendar and aim for a mix of authoritative backlinks, branded search signals, and multimedia.

Step 6: Hire a Mugshot Removal Service (If Necessary)

While not free, professional help might be needed for stubborn or repeated listings. Services like Remove Arrests offer permanent mugshot removal, legal advocacy, and full online reputation cleanup.

What to look for in a service:

• Legal-based removal (not pay-to-delete)
• Success guarantees in applicable states
• Ongoing monitoring and SEO defense

Common Mugshot Sites in 2025

Some sites try to hide their removal policy. Use WHOIS or reverse IP lookups to find hosting providers and send DMCA notices if applicable.

Costs Associated with Erasing Mugshots

Warning: Some shady firms use bait tactics—removing the listing only to let it reappear months later unless you pay ongoing fees. Use only verified, transparent providers.

Free Options That Might Work

• Contact the site directly (especially in California or Georgia)
• Expungement or sealing of record through your local court
• State attorney general complaint if your consumer rights are violated
• Online Reputation DIY kits with suppression templates
• Google Alerts to monitor new pages

Also, consider using Internet Archive’s Wayback Machine to remove indexed historical mugshots.

How Remove Arrest Can Help You Today

At Remove-Arrests.org, our team:

• Submits court orders to sites for permanent deletion
• Handles all SEO suppression and monitoring
• Uses legal pressure, not bribes
• Offers money-back guarantees in eligible states
• Monitors search rankings monthly to prevent resurfacing

📩 Start with a free consultation and get a quote based on your unique situation.

Additional Strategies: Preventive Measures

• Use Google’s “Me on the Web” tool to monitor future mentions
• Set up a personal Google Business Profile for better brand control
• Publish high-quality content monthly with your name and professional details
• Register your name as a domain and create a simple portfolio website

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)