Mugshot Removal: A Step-By-Step Guide to Erasing Your Arrest Photo Online in 2025

Estimated reading time: 4 minutes

Why Mugshot Removal Is More Important Than Ever in 2025

Your past doesn’t belong on the first page of your name’s Google search results—especially if your charges were dropped, expunged, or sealed. Yet mugshots and arrest records still haunt countless individuals online. As background screening becomes more aggressive and widespread, knowing how to remove mugshots is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Online mugshot exposure can:

• Jeopardize employment opportunities
• Harm personal relationships
• Block housing and loan approvals
• Damage your professional credibility

Are Mugshots Legal to Publish Online?

Yes. In most states, mugshots are public records. This means websites can legally scrape, publish, and profit from them—unless local laws restrict or ban such actions.

States That Restrict Mugshot Publishing:

Some states now limit or regulate the online publishing of mugshots, including:

• California: Mugshots can’t be posted online if charges are dropped or there’s no conviction.
• Georgia: Requires websites to remove mugshots upon request with proof of dropped charges.
• Texas: Forbids charging for mugshot removal.

Check your state’s public records and mugshot laws through NCSL’s expungement guide.

Step-By-Step Mugshot Removal Process in 2025

Step 1: Identify Where Your Mugshot Appears

Start by Googling your name in quotes, along with your city or state:

"John Doe" mugshot Houston TX

Make a list of all:

• Mugshot websites (e.g., bustedmugshots, arrestfacts)
• People search sites (e.g., TruthFinder, MyLife)
• News websites
• Google Images appearances

Step 2: Understand Your Legal Rights

You have different options depending on your legal status:

• Expunged or Sealed Case: You may have a legal right to have the mugshot removed.
• Dropped Charges: States like CA or GA may require removal.
• Convictions: You may still request removal but may need assistance from professionals.

If the mugshot is outdated or inaccurate, you might also pursue a defamation or false light claim.

Step 3: Request Removal From the Source

Some websites include a takedown or contact option. Provide the following:

• Proof of expungement or dropped charges (court order)
• Government ID to verify identity
• Link to the offending mugshot

Sample Removal Email Template

Subject: Mugshot Removal Request - Expunged Record

To Whom It May Concern,

My name is [Full Name], and I am requesting the removal of my mugshot and related arrest information listed at [URL]. The charges associated with this arrest were expunged on [Date] by [Court Name].

Please find attached the official court order for verification.

Thank you for your time and assistance.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]

Pro Tip: Always keep records of your removal communications.

Step 4: Submit a De-Indexing Request to Google

If the source site refuses or delays, you can request Google to remove the link from search results.

Use this tool: Google Content Removal Request

You’ll need:

• URL of the mugshot
• Screenshots
• Legal documentation (if available)

Google may remove mugshots if they violate its personal information policy.

Step 5: Suppress the Mugshot With SEO

If removal isn’t possible, bury it.

Reputation Suppression Tactics:

• Create high-authority content using your full name
• Publish blog posts, LinkedIn updates, and profiles
• Use press releases to dominate the first page of Google
• Claim all social media handles

Consistency is key. Focus on platforms like Medium, About.me, Crunchbase, and Google Sites.

Step 6: Hire a Mugshot Removal Service

When removal and suppression are too time-consuming, hiring a professional is your best bet.

Why Choose Defamation Defenders:

• Proven track record of removing arrest photos
• Transparent process and success metrics
• Specializes in removing content from mugshot and people search websites
• Offers Google de-indexing and reputation monitoring services

Contact Defamation Defenders for a free mugshot analysis and action plan.

Can You Sue for a Mugshot Online?

Sometimes. You may have legal grounds to sue if:

• The mugshot is false or altered
• You were never arrested
• You paid for removal and it was reposted
• The site violates new state or consumer protection laws

Always consult an attorney before pursuing a lawsuit.

What Does Mugshot Removal Cost in 2025?

Pricing varies. Here’s a general breakdown:

Beware of companies demanding upfront fees without guarantees.

How Long Does Mugshot Removal Take?

• From Source Website: 1 to 14 days if cooperative
• From Google Search Results: 1 to 4 weeks
• From People Search Sites: 2 to 8 weeks
• SEO Suppression: 2 to 6 months to push content down

Most Common Mugshot Websites in 2025

Familiarize yourself with common offenders:

• mugshots.zone
• jailbase.org
• arrestfiles.net
• bustedmugshots.org
• arrestlookup.com
• local police department websites

How to Keep Your Mugshot From Coming Back

• Monitor your name monthly using Google Alerts
• Set up reputation tracking tools
• Avoid re-arrests or any additional charges
• Request full removal, not just suppression

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

MLA Citations:

“Understanding Expungement.” 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.

“Policy on Personal Information.” Google, support.google.com/websearch/answer/9673730.