Can Individuals Request the Removal of Their Mugshots from Third-Party Websites?

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Why Mugshots Appear on Third-Party Websites

Mugshots are generally taken during the arrest booking process and, in many states, treated as public records. Once published by law enforcement agencies or local jail sites, third-party sites scrape and repost them for:

• Traffic generation through search engine visibility
• Background checks and public interest
• Monetization through removal fees or advertising

Some of these sites update regularly, indexing new mugshots within hours of arrest.

Even if charges are dropped, these sites may not update or remove your photo unless prompted.

Is It Legal for Third-Party Sites to Host Your Mugshot?

The Gray Area of Public Records

Third-party mugshot sites operate under the premise of accessing public records. However, multiple states have enacted legislation that limits or outright bans the commercial exploitation of mugshots.

Key Regulations by State

Source: National Conference of State Legislatures

If you’re in one of these states, you may be legally entitled to have your mugshot removed free of charge.

Steps to Request Mugshot Removal from Third-Party Sites

Step 1: Gather Legal Documentation

To build a strong request, obtain the following:

• Court disposition (showing dismissal or dropped charges)
• Expungement or sealing order (if applicable)
• Copy of your government-issued ID (with sensitive data redacted)

Step 2: Identify Where Your Mugshot Appears

Use these search strategies:

"[First Last Name]" + mugshot + city/state
"[First Last Name]" + arrest photo

Track results across:

• Google (including Images)
• Bing
• People-search sites
• Aggregator domains (mugshots.zone, bustednewspaper, etc.)

Step 3: Contact the Site Admin

Locate the site’s removal policy or contact page. Submit:

• A clear removal request
• Legal documentation
• Evidence of outdated or false charges

Step 4: Monitor the Response

If a site is based in the U.S. and ignores your request despite legal backing, you may:

• File a complaint with the state attorney general
• Submit an abuse complaint to the site’s hosting provider (via WHOIS)
• Use DMCA claims if the mugshot was originally your content

What If the Site Refuses to Cooperate?

Some third-party sites will:

• Delay or ignore takedown requests
• Ask for payment (illegal in many states)
• Mirror the photo to sister sites to keep it online

Next Actions:

• Issue a cease-and-desist letter (preferably via an attorney)
• Use Google’s legal removal request tools
• Initiate a de-indexing campaign via search suppression

Payment-based removal scams often lead to re-posting on other domains, fueling a harmful loop.

How to De-Index Mugshots from Google Search

Step 1: Submit a Removal Request

Use the Google Removal Tool:

• Select “Remove information from Google Search”
• Upload documents showing expungement or dismissal
• Add screenshots and URLs

Step 2: Remove Cached Versions

If the original site removes your mugshot but it still appears in search:

• Use the Google Outdated Content Tool
• Submit the old URL and cached image snippet

Step 3: Suppress What Can’t Be Removed

Even when legal tools fail, you can suppress mugshot links by building optimized content around your name.

SEO Suppression Strategies for Mugshot Content

When removal isn’t possible, suppress the mugshot from search engine results with these tactics:

Build a Positive Online Footprint

1. Register a domain (e.g., yourfullname.com)
2. Create a personal website featuring your:
   • Resume
   • Bio and headshot
   • Accomplishments and career highlights
3. Publish blog posts and updates regularly

Leverage High-Authority Platforms

• LinkedIn
• Medium
• YouTube (with your name in title, description, and tags)
• Crunchbase
• About.me

Use Schema Markup to Boost Search Engine Recognition

{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Person",
  "name": "Jane Doe",
  "url": "https://janedoe.com",
  "sameAs": [
    "https://www.linkedin.com/in/janedoe",
    "https://www.youtube.com/janedoe"
  ]
}

When Expungement Can Help

If charges were dropped or dismissed, or you completed a diversion program, you may qualify for expungement.

Benefits:

• Legal foundation for takedown
• Stronger Google de-indexing case
• Eligibility for future sealing or nondisclosure

States like California, Florida, Texas, and Illinois offer streamlined expungement for first-time offenses and non-convictions.

For a full state-by-state comparison, see: NCSL Expungement Guide

Defamation Defenders: Strategic Removal That Works

At Defamation Defenders, we don’t just request removal—we ensure visibility control across the entire web. Our services include:

• Legal removal documentation
• Hosting provider escalations
• SEO-driven suppression campaigns
• Google and Bing de-indexing strategy

Start your free consultation and learn if your mugshot can be legally and permanently removed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Arrest Record Expungement Process by US State
• Clearing Your Name: Understanding the Process of Mugshot Removal after Expungement
• Florida Arrests and Mugshot Record Removal