What Happens to Mugshots If Charges Are Dropped?

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Mugshots and Dropped Charges: What You Need to Know

A dropped charge doesn’t automatically clear your arrest history or remove your mugshot from public view. In many jurisdictions, the arrest record—including your mugshot—remains accessible unless specific legal action is taken.

Why Mugshots Still Show Up After Charges Are Dropped

1. Mugshots are public records in many states.
2. Third-party websites scrape law enforcement databases regularly.
3. Google indexes these images, making them easily searchable.
4. There’s no automatic removal or update process following dismissal.

Even if the legal case ends, your public image may still suffer without direct removal or suppression.

The Legal Status of Mugshots in the U.S.

Every state has different rules on public records, mugshot publishing, and privacy rights.

States That Prohibit or Regulate Mugshot Monetization

Reference: National Conference of State Legislatures

Why You May Still See Your Mugshot After Dismissal

• Law enforcement may not notify third-party websites when charges are dropped.
• Many aggregator sites operate outside of state jurisdictions.
• Cached versions of mugshots may linger on search engines.
• Media outlets may retain arrest coverage even without updating case status.

Even if you were never convicted, your mugshot may follow you for years unless actively removed.

Can You Pay to Have a Mugshot Removed?

The Truth Behind Mugshot Removal Fees

In some states, it is illegal to pay for mugshot removal. Websites that charge fees may be violating consumer protection laws.

Legal and Ethical Risks of Paying for Removal

1. Encourages re-publication on “sister sites”
2. No guarantee that the photo stays down
3. No refund policies or transparency
4. May be illegal in regulated states

Safer, Legal Alternatives

• File a takedown request citing expungement or dismissal.
• Submit a Google Removal Tool request.
• Use the Google Outdated Content Tool if the page is offline but still indexed.
• Suppress the content with authoritative online profiles and SEO.

How to Remove a Mugshot After Charges Are Dropped

Step 1: Obtain Dismissal Documentation

• Request an official court order or case disposition from the courthouse.
• Ensure it includes a dismissal or dropped charge status.

Step 2: Contact the Website Directly

• Find their contact form or removal policy page.
• Submit your legal documentation and a polite removal request.

Step 3: Report Non-Compliance

If the site ignores your request:

• File a consumer protection complaint with your state attorney general.
• Report abuse to hosting providers (using WHOIS data).
• Seek legal support for a cease and desist order.

Step 4: De-Index from Search Engines

If removed from the host site but still visible on Google:

• Use the Google Removal Tool.
• Include screenshots and legal documents.

SEO Suppression: Burying a Mugshot the Smart Way

Why Suppression Matters

Not all websites comply, and Google may not always de-index images immediately. SEO suppression pushes mugshot results down, making them harder to find.

How to Suppress a Mugshot Online

• Register a personal domain (e.g., yourfullname.com)
• Publish authoritative content: blog posts, press releases, resumes
• Link to profiles: LinkedIn, About.me, Medium, YouTube
• Post consistently using keywords that include your name

Example SEO Title: John Smith - Nonprofit Director | Volunteer Work | Career Highlights

When to Consider Legal Expungement

Expungement can help bolster your removal case. Many states allow expungement or sealing for non-convictions, including dropped charges.

Benefits of Expungement:

• Legal authority to demand removal
• Increases your chance of search engine de-indexing
• Prevents future reposting of records

States Offering Expungement for Dropped Charges:

• California
• Illinois
• Texas
• Florida
• Washington

Check your state’s law or consult with an attorney to see if you qualify.

Common Misconceptions About Dropped Charges

• “Dropped charges erase everything.” Not true—public records remain unless expunged.
• “Media must delete the article.” They don’t have to, unless legally compelled.
• “Search results will automatically update.” Only if requested or re-indexed.
• “I won’t need legal help.” Many mugshot sites ignore unverified or informal requests.

Real Risks of Inaction

Leaving your mugshot online can:

• Harm job opportunities
• Derail college admissions
• Sabotage relationships
• Impact creditworthiness
• Invite future re-publication

Why Remove Arrest Is Different

Remove Arrest never pays shady mugshot sites. Instead, we:

• Use legal leverage to compel removal
• Execute SEO suppression campaigns
• Submit accurate, policy-based Google de-indexing requests
• Monitor your name and re-appearance alerts

Request a free removal consultation to learn how to fully clear your name after dropped charges.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Related Contents:

• How long do mugshots stay online?
• Are Mugshots Online an Invasion of Privacy
• Clearing Your Name: Understanding the Process of Mugshot Removal after Expungement
• State Laws Prohibiting Websites from Charging Mugshot Removal Fees

MLA Citations:

• “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 Personal Information from Google.” Google Support, support.google.com/websearch/troubleshooter/3111061.
• “Outdated Content Removal.” Google Search Console, search.google.com/search-console/remove-outdated-content.
• “Mugshot Removal Laws.” Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, www.privacyrights.org.
• “Public Records and Mugshot Monetization.” Electronic Frontier Foundation, www.eff.org/issues/mugshots.