Arrest records can follow you long after a case is dismissed or resolved. When these records appear on aggregation websites like MugshotFile.com, they compromise your personal privacy and professional opportunities. Whether you’re applying for a job, renting an apartment, or protecting your family from online exposure, having your mugshot displayed publicly can cause significant harm.
This in-depth 2025 guide helps you understand what MugshotFile.com is, why it exists, and how to get your arrest information permanently removed from its listings, and from internet search results.
What Is MugshotFile.com?
- 1 What Is MugshotFile.com?
- 2 Why Mugshot Publication Hurts Your Reputation
- 3 Is It Legal for MugshotFile.com to Publish Your Arrest Record?
- 4 Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Your Mugshot from MugshotFile.com
- 5 The Role of Criminal Record Expungement and Sealing in Mugshot Removal
- 6 The Psychological Impact of Online Mugshots
- 7 How Remove-Arrests.org Helps You
- 8 FAQ: MugshotFile.com and Arrest Record Removal
MugshotFile.com is a public records website that aggregates arrest records, mugshots, and booking information from law enforcement agencies across the United States. The site claims to provide transparency and access to public data, but it often presents sensitive personal information without context.
Records often remain published even if:
- The charges were dropped
- The person was found not guilty
- The case was expunged or sealed
How MugshotFile.com Collects Information
MugshotFile.com uses scraping tools and public record access laws to collect and republish mugshots from county jails, sheriff departments, and other state agencies. In most cases, they do not verify whether the charges were updated or dismissed.
The platform typically updates its listings periodically, but outdated or incorrect records are often left online for years.
Why Mugshot Publication Hurts Your Reputation
Even one public-facing mugshot can ruin:
- Job opportunities
- College admissions
- Social and professional relationships
Public shaming and stigma remain, regardless of legal outcome. That’s why it’s critical to take action.
Common Issues Associated With Online Mugshots:
- Google indexing: Your arrest image may rank on the first page of search results.
- Third-party republishing: Other mugshot sites may scrape data from MugshotFile.com.
- Extortion tactics: Some sites may charge fees to remove mugshots and repost them later. Find out more about this type of Mugshot Extortion.
- Invasion of privacy: Even expunged or sealed records may continue to appear.
Is It Legal for MugshotFile.com to Publish Your Arrest Record?
Under the First Amendment, public records (including mugshots) can be published if obtained legally. However, certain states like California, Georgia, and New York have laws limiting commercial use of mugshots.
For example:
- California: Penal Code 647 states that it’s unlawful to charge for mugshot removal. Learn more about California Mugshot Removal.
- Florida: Statute 901.43 requires removal within 10 days upon request if charges were dropped. Find out more about Florida Mugshot Removal.
If your state has mugshot privacy laws, they may give you more leverage.
Refer to your state legislation through the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) for the most accurate legal resources.
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Your Mugshot from MugshotFile.com
1. Confirm That the Mugshot Exists
Search your name + “mugshotfile.com” on Google. Screenshot and document the link.
Also check:
- Variations of your name
- Your city or arrest location
- Google Images
2. Check Your Legal Status
Ensure your case is:
- Dismissed
- Expunged
- Sealed
If applicable, obtain certified court documentation to use in your removal request.
3. Submit a Formal Removal Request
Locate the contact form or email address listed on MugshotFile.com. Include:
- Your name
- Mugshot URL
- Case resolution documentation
- A clear statement requesting removal
Sample Email Template:
Subject: Request to Remove Arrest Record and Mugshot To Whom It May Concern, My name is [Your Full Name]. I am writing to request the removal of my arrest record and mugshot currently published at [Insert URL]. The charges have been [dismissed/expunged/sealed], and I have attached proof of the final court disposition. Please confirm receipt and provide an estimated timeline for removal. Sincerely, [Your Full Name]
4. Monitor and Document Responses
Keep records of:
- Emails sent and received
- Timeframes promised for removal
- URLs where data was published
Follow up if you do not receive a response within 7–10 business days.
5. Use Google De-Indexing (If Eligible)
Once your mugshot is removed from the site, you can request Google to remove the outdated link:
6. Consider Legal Action
If MugshotFile.com refuses to comply and your jurisdiction supports mugshot privacy, consult a local attorney. Legal tools may include:
- Cease and desist letters
- Consumer protection claims
- Civil lawsuits for damages
You may also report noncompliant mugshot sites to:
- The Better Business Bureau (BBB)
- Your State Attorney General
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
The Role of Criminal Record Expungement and Sealing in Mugshot Removal
Having your record expunged or sealed makes it easier to remove content online. While MugshotFile.com may still publish the record, expungement provides:
- Legal documentation supporting removal requests
- Authority to request de-indexing
Use your state’s court expungement guide, such as the Missouri Expungement Law (RSMo 610.140), to explore eligibility.
You might also consider consulting with a criminal defense attorney or a record-clearing service to speed up the process.
The Psychological Impact of Online Mugshots
Beyond professional setbacks, individuals with publicly visible mugshots may experience:
- Anxiety and embarrassment
- Reputational damage among friends and family
- Harassment or bullying on social media
Restoring your peace of mind is just as important as restoring your online reputation.
How Remove-Arrests.org Helps You
If you feel overwhelmed by the legal complexities or need help getting a mugshot removed from a website or search engine quickly, Remove-Arrests.org offers proven, confidential removal of arrest information and mugshots from MugshotsFile, dozens of other mugshot websites, and all major internet search engines. support.
We help you:
- Identify all listings on MugshotFile.com and similar domains
- Submit takedown requests backed by legal documentation
- De-index pages from search engines
- Monitor for future republishing
Our success comes from tailored strategies, over 12 years of mugshot removal experience, and commitment to client privacy.
Request a free mugshot removal consultation today to begin your journey toward a clean online presence.
FAQ: MugshotFile.com and Arrest Record Removal
Yes, but only if the information is from a public record and not protected by state privacy laws.
It’s more difficult, but not impossible. Some websites will remove outdated or irrelevant information on request.
If MugshotFile.com responds, removal may take 7–30 days. If legal steps are required, it may take longer.
No. Google only removes content that no longer exists on the original site.
If you reside in a state with mugshot privacy laws and the site violated them, you may have grounds for legal action.
Work with a reputation management expert like Remove Arrest to handle bulk takedowns and long-term monitoring.
Absolutely. Removing mugshots from public websites ensures less visibility during employment or housing screenings.
You can begin by contacting a mugshot removal specialist. Remove Arrest offers consultations to help you assess your situation and plan your next steps.