Arizona passed House Bill 2191 in 2019 to put a stop to pay-to-remove mugshot websites. This legislation targets the “pay-to-remove” business model that profits from shame-based exposure, and it gives individuals real legal leverage when their arrest photo is posted online for money.
Want to know more about mugshot laws? Check out our full article on Mugshot laws across the U.S.
What the Arizona Mugshot Law Covers
Arizona’s law targets mugshot website operators, any person or group that posts criminal justice records online for a commercial purpose. Here’s what the law says they cannot do:
- Solicit money to remove or revise a mugshot
- Charge a removal fee of any kind
- Profit from publishing arrest photos
If a website breaks this law, the operator can face serious penalties.
Looking for a broader or more specific solution? Start with our full guide on how to remove mugshots from Google.
Arizona House Bill 2191 – Full Text
Approved by the Governor: April 1, 2019
Filed in the Office of the Secretary of State: April 1, 2019
CHAPTER 42 — HOUSE BILL 2191
An Act Amending Title 44, Arizona Revised Statutes, by Adding Chapter 37; Relating to Mugshot Website Operators
Title 44, Arizona Revised Statutes, Chapter 37
Mugshot Website Operators
Article 1. General Provisions
44-7901. Definitions
In this article, unless the context otherwise requires:
“Booking photograph” means a photograph of a subject individual that is taken pursuant to an arrest or other involvement in the criminal justice system.
“Commercial purpose” has the same meaning prescribed in section 39-121.03.
“Criminal justice record” includes a booking photograph and the name, address, and description of and the charges filed against a subject individual.
“Mugshot website operator” means a person that publishes a criminal justice record on a publicly available internet website for a commercial purpose.
“Person” means a natural person, partnership, association, joint venture, corporation, limited liability company, nonprofit organization or trust, or any similar entity or organized group of persons.
“Subject individual” means an individual who has been arrested.
44-7902. Mugshot Website Operators; Prohibited Acts; Exceptions
A. A mugshot website operator that publishes a subject individual’s criminal justice record for a commercial purpose on a publicly accessible website is deemed to be transacting business in this state.
B. A mugshot website operator may not use criminal justice records or the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and other information contained in criminal justice records for the purpose of soliciting business for pecuniary gain, including requiring the payment of a fee or other valuable consideration in exchange for removing or revising criminal justice records that have been published on a website or other publication.
C. A subject individual whose criminal justice record is published in violation of subsection B and who suffers a pecuniary loss or is otherwise adversely affected has a cause of action against the person responsible for the violation and may recover damages in addition to the penalties prescribed in subsection D in any court of competent jurisdiction.
D. A person that violates subsection B is liable for damages for each separate violation in an amount of at least:
$100 per day during the first thirty days of the violation.
$200 per day during the subsequent thirty days of the violation.
$500 per day for each day thereafter.
E. This article does not apply to any act performed for the purpose of disseminating news to the public, including the gathering, publishing, or broadcasting of information to the public for a news-related purpose. It also does not apply to any act performed by a publisher, owner, agent, employee, or retailer of a newspaper, radio station, radio network, television station, television broadcast network, cable television network, or other online news outlet associated with any news organization in connection with the dissemination of news to the public.
F. This article does not apply to activities by a licensed attorney, private investigator, or registered process server that are associated with purposes relating to a current or anticipated criminal or civil proceeding. This section does not affect the conduct of trials or the discovery process in any proceeding as otherwise provided by law or court rule.
Penalties for Violations
Arizona doesn’t just ban removal fees, it enforces compliance with escalating fines:
Anyone harmed by the publication can sue the site, recover damages, and get attorney fees covered. Each day of noncompliance is a new violation.
Legal Exemptions
The law doesn’t apply to:
- Legitimate news organizations (TV, radio, newspapers, online outlets)
- Licensed attorneys, private investigators, or process servers involved in legal proceedings
These exemptions are in place to protect the public interest and due process, not exploit people.
Why Arizona Passed HB 2191
Mugshot websites were charging hundreds of dollars to remove photos, even when charges were dropped, dismissed, or never filed. Arizona legislators stepped in to stop this exploitation.
The result: a consumer protection law that makes it illegal to profit from someone’s arrest photo. If your image is posted, and you’re asked to pay to take it down, you may be entitled to compensation without paying a dime.
How to Remove Your Mugshot in Arizona
1. Identify the Website
- Note the exact site and URL where your mugshot appears.
2. Document the Request
- Email or send a written request asking for removal. Keep a copy for your records.
3. Monitor the Deadline
- Track how long your photo remains online after your request. If it passes 30 days, penalties begin to apply.
4. Seek Legal or ORM Help
- If the site refuses or requests money, consider contacting a lawyer or working with a professional mugshot removal service like Guaranteed Removals.
FAQs About Arizona’s Mugshot Law
Is it illegal for mugshot sites to charge for removal in Arizona?
Yes. HB 2191 bans mugshot websites from charging any fee to remove arrest photos.
What if my mugshot stays online for months?
You may be entitled to damages, up to $500 per day. Arizona law allows you to sue for violations.
Do news sites have to take down mugshots?
No. News outlets are exempt, as long as they’re not profiting from removal requests.
Can I remove my Arizona mugshot from Google?
Yes, especially if the site violates the law. Use Google’s Outdated Content Tool or Results About You to flag the image, or work with a reputation expert.
Get Started With Our Mugshot Removal Service today
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