STLMugshots.com Removal Guide: How to Take Down Your Mugshot from St. Louis Arrest Listings in 2025

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Understanding STLMugshots.com in 2025

STLMugshots.com continues to operate as one of the most prominent mugshot websites publishing booking photos from St. Louis and surrounding counties. It collects public data from sheriff departments, local police precincts, and jail rosters, displaying arrest photos with names, dates, and charges.

Even in 2025, the site’s SEO strategy ensures that these mugshots rank high on Google, often appearing within hours of someone’s arrest. For many, the damage is immediate—before they even have a court appearance. This blog explores how to remove yourself from this exposure and take back control of your online reputation.

The Legal Framework Behind Mugshot Publishing in Missouri

The Public Records Loophole

Missouri treats arrest records as public under the Missouri Sunshine Law (Chapter 610, RSMo). While intended to ensure transparency, this law opens the door to republishing those records online.

However, publication for commercial gain or harassment can trigger legal challenges. Especially when the subject has never been convicted or the charges were dismissed.

Recent Legal Updates That Affect Mugshot Sites

• Senate Bill 53 (2021): This bill prevents websites from charging fees to remove mugshots unless the person is convicted.
• Expungement Law Reform: Missouri has made it easier to expunge non-violent criminal records, which may empower you to remove arrest data online.
• FTC Crackdowns: The Federal Trade Commission has acted against mugshot sites for unfair practices. While STLMugshots.com has not been specifically named, this broader pressure matters.

These developments mean that individuals now have more legal leverage than ever before to demand takedowns.

Why It’s So Important to Remove Your Mugshot

The consequences of having your mugshot on STLMugshots.com extend far beyond embarrassment. It can derail major life opportunities.

Employment

Recruiters and hiring managers often search your name online. A mugshot, even without a conviction, could cost you a job.

Housing

Landlords regularly Google applicants. One mugshot could be the deciding factor in a competitive rental market.

Relationships & Social Life

Online dating, community trust, and even family relationships can be affected. Public perception matters—and mugshots stick.

Mental Health Impacts

The emotional burden of knowing your arrest is public can lead to stress, anxiety, and depression.

How to Check If You’re Listed on STLMugshots.com

Follow this step-by-step process:

1. Go to STLMugshots.com
2. Use their search bar with your full name or booking date.
3. Use quotes for more accurate results (e.g., “John Doe”).
4. Take note of:
   • The exact URL of your mugshot
   • Any identifying information (name, date, charges)
   • Screenshots for records

Tip: Also search your name in Google with keywords like:

• Your Name + STLMugshots
• Your Name + mugshot St. Louis

This will show how widely the listing has been indexed.

Your Legal Rights & Options in 2025

When You’re Eligible to Demand a Removal

You may legally request removal if:

• The charges were dropped or dismissed
• You were found not guilty
• You’ve had the record expunged or sealed
• You were a minor at the time of the arrest
• The arrest listing is factually incorrect
• The photo is misused under the Right of Publicity

Missouri Expungement Laws

The 2021 Missouri expungement reform expanded eligibility. Today, even some felony charges may be eligible for removal after a waiting period.

• Start here: Missouri Expungement Guide
• You may need an attorney, but in many counties, pro se filings are accepted.

Once expunged, your arrest record should not appear in public databases—and you can demand its removal from STLMugshots.com.

Filing a DMCA Takedown

If the image or content on the website was originally published elsewhere (like a news site or law enforcement portal), and is being used without consent, you can use a DMCA takedown notice to demand removal.

Use this sample:

To STLMugshots.com,

I am the individual pictured in the image at [insert URL].
This image is being used without permission. Under the DMCA, I request its immediate removal.

Sincerely,
[Your Name]  
[Contact Info]

Send the notice to the site’s listed email or use their contact form, if available.

Requesting Removal Directly

Some mugshot sites allow removal requests via:

• Contact forms
• Email submissions
• Third-party verification (i.e., expungement proof or attorney letter)

De-Indexing from Google and Bing

After successful takedown, you must clear it from search engine caches.

• Visit the Google Removal Tool
• Submit the outdated URL
• Select “Content has been removed”

This helps speed up removal from Google’s search results.

Note: Bing offers a similar content removal tool. Be sure to submit to both platforms.

Partner with Remove-Arrests.org

DIY methods can work—but they’re time-consuming, confusing, and often ineffective without legal leverage. That’s where Remove-Arrests.org comes in.

Our Services Include:

• Mugshot takedown from STLMugshots.com and similar sites
• Google de-indexing and search suppression
• Legal coordination for expungement filings
• Continuous monitoring for new listings

📞 Request your free case review today to explore your options.

Prevent Your Mugshot from Reappearing

Even after removal, it’s possible for your mugshot to reappear. Here’s how to stay protected:

• Monitor your name: Use Google Alerts or tools like BrandYourself.
• Secure your records: Finish your expungement process.
• Work with professionals: Suppression services can bury other listings and protect your name.
• Review court portals: Some mugshots are published automatically by courts or sheriffs.

Trusted Resources & Further Reading

• Missouri Sunshine Law – Chapter 610 RSMo
• Missouri Bar Lawyer Referral
• FTC Enforcement on Mugshot Sites
• Court Expungement Portal

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)