Got a mugshot image showing up in search results? It can feel like the worst moment of your life is on display for all the world to see. Whether it was a mistake, a misunderstanding, or an outdated record, you don’t have to let it haunt you forever.
We specialize in mugshot removal. This includes getting those embarrassing mugshot images removed, quickly and affordably. Let’s break down how mugshots get online, how long they stay, and most importantly, how you can remove mugshots from Google, for good
Before you attempt to remove a mugshot
If you’re going to attempt to remove them yourself, we highly recommend checking out how guides on How to Remove Search Results from Google or Removing Criminal Records from the internet. Both are important as they can help you remove this problematic content without cost. However
Short on time? Skip straight to the mugshot removal guide.
Mugshot Removal Explained
Mugshot removal is the process of deleting or suppressing mugshots and arrest records from online platforms such as Google. Mugshot removal is crucial for individuals who want to protect their online reputation and personal life from the negative impact of publicly available arrest records. Mugshot removal services specialize in navigating the complexities of online publishing and privacy laws to achieve removal.
When a mugshot appears online, it can be a significant blow to your personal and professional life. Employers, landlords, and even potential partners often perform online searches, and finding a mugshot can lead to unfair judgments and lost opportunities. Mugshot removal services are designed to help you regain control over your online presence. These services work by contacting website owners, utilizing legal strategies, and employing SEO techniques to either remove or bury the negative content, ensuring it no longer appears prominently in search engine results
Why having your Mugshot online can be a big deal
Mugshots are one of the biggest threats to personal reputation. Even if you were never convicted, your photo and arrest record might still be online, leading to:
Lost job opportunities – Over 85% of employers Google candidates before hiring.
Denied housing – Landlords often check online records before approving tenants.
Damaged relationships – Friends, family, and even romantic partners may come across the image.
Worse, mugshot sites profit off your reputation, charging anywhere from $300 to $2,000 to remove images they posted without consent.
But thanks to new laws and enforcement, you don’t have to be a victim of this exploitative industry.
Why Do Mugshots Get Published Online?
Mugshots get published online due to the public’s right to access arrest records and the profit-driven nature of mugshot websites. Mugshot websites aggregate and publish arrest records to attract traffic and generate revenue through advertising. The ease of accessing and sharing information online has created a lucrative market for mugshot websites.
Mugshot websites often operate under the guise of providing a public service, but their true goal is to make money. They charge individuals hefty fees to remove their mugshots. This exploitative practice can leave many feeling trapped and helpless, as their personal information is used as a commodity. Understanding this dynamic is the first step in taking action to remove your mugshot and protect your online reputation.
how do mugshots get found on the internet?
Mugshots get indexed by search engines through a process called crawling. This is where search engine algorithms scan and categorize online content. When a mugshot is published on a website, search engines like Google can index the page, making the mugshot visible in search results. This can lead to a mugshot appearing in search results for an individual’s name, potentially damaging their online reputation. Understanding how search engines work is essential for effective mugshot removal.
Search engines use complex algorithms to determine the relevance and ranking of web pages. When a mugshot is posted online, these algorithms can quickly pick it up, especially if the website has high traffic or strong SEO practices. This means that even if the mugshot is on a relatively obscure site, it can still appear prominently in Google search results. Effective mugshot removal involves not only getting the image taken down but also ensuring that any remaining traces are buried deep in search results where they are unlikely to be seen.
Here's how to actually get your mugshot removed from the internet
Below are the steps to take when attempting mugshot removal. If you aren’t having any luck dont worry, there are other options (such as paying us to do it for you!) – details further below.
Step 1: Check Your State’s Mugshot Laws
Mugshot removal laws vary by state. Some states protect your right to removal, while others allow unrestricted publishing.
Check out our full guide on mugshot laws across the US for more info.
| State | Removal Rights |
|---|---|
| California | Illegal to charge fees. Removal required if charges were dropped. |
| Florida | Must remove photos upon request, regardless of outcome. |
| Texas | Bans pay-for-removal. Requires removal on request in many cases. |
| Illinois, Oregon, Colorado, Georgia, New York (partial) | Offer varying protections. Some allow legal damages. |
| North Carolina, Utah, Wyoming | Restrict mugshot publishing or allow removal for free. |
States Where Mugshots Cannot Be Used for Profit
Several states have banned mugshot websites from charging for removals, including:
- California – Senate Bill 1027 makes it illegal to charge for mugshot removal.
- Illinois – Prohibits the commercial use of mugshots entirely.
- Texas – Senate Bill 509 (2023) requires mugshots to be removed unless the individual is convicted.
- Florida – Statute 901.43 mandates free removal within 10 days of a request.
States Where Mugshots Are Restricted from Public Release
Some states have limited public access to mugshots:
- New York – In 2019, mugshots were removed from Freedom of Information Act (FOIL) requests, making them harder to publish.
- Georgia – Websites must remove mugshots upon request, free of charge.
- Kentucky & Utah – Only release mugshots for convicted individuals or public safety concerns.
No Federal Law Protects Against Mugshots Online
Step 2: Identify Where Your Mugshot Appears
To remove your mugshot online, you first need to find where it’s published.
- Google Your Full Name + “Mugshot”
- Example: John Doe mugshot Florida
- Check the most common mugshot websites
- Use Incognito Mode to avoid personalized results.
Step 3: Request Removal from the Website
If the site allows free removal (like in Florida or Texas), submit a formal request to the website owner.
Example Mugshot Removal Request Email
Hello,
My name is [Your Name], and I recently found my mugshot on your website. The charges related to this arrest were [dismissed/expunged/sealed].
Under [Your State Law], websites must remove mugshots if the case was cleared. I have attached official documentation verifying my legal status. Please confirm the removal of this image within [10 days].
Thank you for your prompt attention.
Attach supporting documents, such as an expungement order or case dismissal.
Step 4: Request Removal from Google
If the mugshot site refuses to remove your image, you can ask Google to deindex it.
- Visit Google’s Removal Request Form
- Select “Content on a site with exploitative removal practices”
- Paste the URL of the mugshot page
- Explain why it should be removed (e.g., pay-for-removal scheme)
Google will review and potentially deindex the page, making it disappear from search results.
Step 5: Hire a Mugshot Removal Service (For Multiple Sites)
If your mugshot is on several sites, or you don’t qualify for free removal, hiring a professional mugshot removal service may be the best option. These are usually a component of a Reputation Management company.
What Reputation Management Experts Do:
- Negotiate with site owners to remove mugshots
- Use legal strategies to enforce takedowns
- Suppress negative content with SEO strategies
Why Are Mugshot Websites Still Operating?
Mugshot websites have faced major legal battles, but many still operate by exploiting legal loopholes.
Mugshots.com Owners Arrested for Extortion
In 2018, the owners of Mugshots.com—Sahar Sarid and Kishore Vidya Bhavnanie—were arrested for extortion, identity theft, and money laundering.
- They were charging thousands of dollars to remove mugshots.
- The case set a legal precedent against exploitative mugshot practices.
- Many sites now operate overseas to avoid U.S. law enforcement.
Law Enforcement Continues to Crack Down
- Google has deprioritized mugshot websites in search rankings.
- Several states are pushing for new laws to regulate online mugshots.
But mugshots are still a big business, unless you take action.
When Removal Isn’t Possible
Some mugshot websites refuse all removal requests. Others operate outside the country or don’t respond at all. If you’ve hit a dead end, it’s time to shift to a suppression strategy.
Suppressing a Mugshot with Reputation Management
When you can’t delete your mugshot, you can push it down in Google search results by creating new, positive content around your name. This strategy works because most people never click past the first page of search results.
Here’s how it works:
- Build or optimize your LinkedIn profile
- Create a personal website (use your full name as the domain if possible)
- Post to high-authority sites (like Medium, Substack, or business directories)
- Join local or industry organizations with profile pages
- Post regularly to social media to keep those pages active
Over time, these efforts will outrank the mugshot, especially when done with SEO in mind. Most users never see anything beyond the top 5 search results, and that’s where your best content should live.
Tools That Help with Suppression
If you want to speed things up or don’t have time to manage all this yourself, reputation management companies like Guaranteed Removals can help.
We can help remove mugshots directly, but we can also:
- Suppress mugshots in search results
- Build new high-ranking content
- Get mugshots deindexed by Google when they violate removal policies
For most clients, we see measurable improvements within 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the site and search history.
Common Questions About Mugshot Removal
How long do mugshots stay online?
Indefinitely. Once a mugshot is published online, it usually stays up unless someone requests removal or the site is taken down.
Can mugshots be removed from police websites?
Sometimes. Police departments follow their own policies. You can contact the department directly, especially if the arrest was expunged or dismissed.
Are mugshots public in every state?
Most states consider mugshots public records, but laws differ on how they can be used or published. Some states restrict publishing entirely, especially for minor or juvenile cases.
Will sealing or expunging my record remove the mugshot?
It helps, but not always. If your record is sealed or expunged, you can use that order to request removal from mugshot sites, Google, and sometimes even police departments. But some private sites still refuse unless forced by law.
Can mugshots be removed from Facebook or social media?
You can report mugshot posts on platforms like Facebook or X (Twitter) for violating privacy or harassment policies. If the image was shared without context or as part of a shaming post, it may qualify for removal.
Remove mugshots from Google today
Guaranteed Removals Mugshot Removal Service
Guaranteed Removals Mugshot removal service focuses on removing your mugshot anywhere it can be found online, whether it’s on Google, published in news articles or anywhere else. Our services aim to enhance your online reputation and build trust for you or your business.
There is no obligation or risk. You only pay after we permanently remove the mugshot.
Get started and take control of your online presence today.
Mugshots are public by default, but they don’t have to define your future. Whether you’re dealing with a single site or dozens, there’s always a path forward.
If you’re not eligible for removal under the law, the next best move is to make your mugshot irrelevant by flooding Google with better content.
Guaranteed Removals can help with that. We’ve helped thousands of people suppress negative images and clean up their search results, without paying shady sites or drawing more attention to the issue.
Next Steps
- Use Google to identify where your mugshot appears
- Check if your state has a mugshot removal law
- Request removal or deindexing from sites and Google
- Create new content to suppress the mugshot
- Get expert help if you want faster results
Mugshots don’t have to follow you forever, but ignoring them might. Take action early and reclaim your online reputation.
