Got a mugshot on Google linked to BustedNewspaper.com? You’re not alone. This site is one of the most widely scraped mugshot directories in the U.S., with arrest images published daily, often without context, and usually without your permission.
Even if your case was dropped or sealed, the photo might still be up. And while BustedNewspaper does offer a removal process, it’s not automatic. This guide walks you through exactly how to remove or suppress your mugshot step by step.
Looking for a broader solution? Start with our full guide on how to remove mugshots from Google.
What Is BustedNewspaper.com?
BustedNewspaper.com collects and republishes mugshots from county sheriff’s offices, clerk of courts websites, and other public records sources. The site is updated frequently and operates under the legal protection of public access laws.
Unlike some other mugshot sites, BustedNewspaper offers a documented process for removing listings. But there’s a catch, they require legal proof. That means you need to show that the charges were expunged, sealed, dismissed, or ended in a not guilty verdict.
Why Is My Mugshot Still Online If I Wasn't Convicted?
Because arrest records are public, BustedNewspaper doesn’t need a conviction to publish them. And just because your case was cleared, that doesn’t force private websites to remove it unless you follow the right process.
Their disclaimer also makes it clear: they don’t guarantee accuracy and aren’t responsible for damage the listing may cause. Which means it’s up to you to correct the record.
How to Remove Your Mugshot from BustedNewspaper.com
1. Gather Legal Documents
To qualify for removal, you’ll need one of the following:
- Expungement order
- Sealed record documentation
- Proof of dismissal or dropped charges
- Proof of a not guilty verdict
- A letter from your attorney confirming any of the above
Make sure documents are signed by a judge and clearly legible. Accepted file types include PDF, DOC, JPG, JPEG, or TIFF under 3MB in size.
2. Fill Out the Removal Form
Go to bustednewspaper.com/remove-a-listing. This is their official request form. Fill out:
- Your full name
- Your email address
- A valid phone number (they may call to verify)
- The exact URL of your mugshot listing
- Reason for removal (e.g. expunged, dismissed, not guilty)
- Upload your legal documentation
Submit and keep a screenshot of your submission.
Note: The site says it can take up to 10 days to verify and remove the listing. No confirmation email is guaranteed.
3. Follow Up or Email Directly
If you don’t get a response or want to ensure delivery, send a direct email to:
Include the same details as above. Keep your message calm and clear, threatening language may backfire.
If you don’t have expungement or dismissal papers, the site is unlikely to remove the post. But there are still options.
4. Check If Your State Has Mugshot Protection Laws
Some U.S. states now make it illegal to charge for mugshot removal. Others require websites to remove photos under certain conditions, such as if the charges were dropped or sealed.
Here are a few key examples:
- California: It’s illegal to charge for removal. Sites must remove mugshots if charges were dropped, dismissed, or if the person was found not guilty.
- Florida: Must remove photos on request, regardless of conviction status.
- Texas: Requires a public removal process and bans pay-for-removal models.
- Colorado, Illinois, Oregon, Utah, Georgia, North Carolina: Offer varying levels of protection, sometimes allowing lawsuits or fines.
| 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. |
Check your state’s consumer protection laws or consult an attorney to see if you qualify for legal removal.
Check out our full guide on state mugshot laws in the US for more info.
5. File a Complaint With Authorities
If you believe they’re violating mugshot laws, file complaints with:
- Your State Attorney General’s Office
- The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
- Your local district attorney’s consumer protection unit
You can also report them to ICANN (which regulates domain names) if the site is misrepresenting itself or using shady domain practices.
6. Submit a Takedown to Google
Even if BustedNewspaper won’t remove your photo, Google might.
If the site is charging for removal or qualifies as a “predatory” site under Google’s policy, you can request deindexing of the page using this tool:
Report Content to Google – Exploitative Removal Form
You’ll need to:
-
Confirm the page is about you
-
Show proof that removal is contingent on payment or unethical behavior
-
Provide the specific URL of the mugshot page
If successful, Google will remove the link from search results, although the photo will still exist on the site itself.
If BustedNewspaper Won’t Remove It
Not eligible for removal? The next best option is suppressing the mugshot off page one.
Push the Mugshot Down in Google Results
Here’s how to bury the page so it’s less visible:
- Buy a personal domain name (e.g. johnsmith.com)
- Create public profiles: LinkedIn, YouTube, Crunchbase, etc.
- Post blog articles, bios, or videos with your name in the title
- Optimise for SEO: use your name in URLs, titles, and headings
- Stay active on each platform so Google sees them as fresh and relevant
Over time, these pages can outrank BustedNewspaper in search results.
Work With a Reputation Management Company
If that sounds like too much, we can help. At Guaranteed Removals, we:
- Track where your mugshot appears
- Handle legal removal and documentation
- Build new content to suppress unwanted links
- Deindex mugshot pages from Google where eligible
We’ve worked with thousands of clients and only charge after the content is permanently removed or suppressed.
Avoid anyone who claims they have a “direct relationship” with mugshot sites. In many cases, these are the same people behind the site, just repackaged under another brand. This was part of the Unpublish LLC case that led to arrests in the case of mugshots.com.
Common Questions About BustedNewspaper.com
How long do mugshots stay on BustedNewspaper?
Indefinitely. There’s no expiration unless you request removal.
Can I remove my mugshot if I was convicted?
Not through their form. They only remove mugshots for cleared cases. You’d need to suppress it instead.
What if my mugshot was posted by mistake?
Include that in your request or email. If they published the wrong person, they may remove it, but you’ll need proof.
Is BustedNewspaper a legal site?
Yes. They operate under public record laws, but their policies often conflict with updated privacy and consumer protection rules in some states.
What About Expungement?
Talk to a lawyer in your state to find out if you’re eligible for expungement. It’s often the best long-term fix.
Get Started With Our Mugshot Removal Service today
Guaranteed Removals Google Search Removal Service
Guaranteed Removals Mugshot removal service focuses on removing mugshots and criminal records from the internet, Google and other search engine providers. Our services aim to enhance your online reputation and build trust.
There is no obligation or risk. You only pay after we permanently remove the negative content from the source.
Get started and take control of your online presence today.
BustedNewspaper may not charge for removals, but they don’t make it easy either. If you qualify under their rules, be thorough, calm, and persistent. If you don’t, shift your focus to burying the link before it damages your online reputation any further.
Your Action Plan
- Check your record. Was it expunged, sealed, or dismissed?
- Submit the official removal form with complete documentation
- Follow up directly via email
- Start building content to outrank the mugshot
- Get help from a professional if you’re stuck
Your mugshot doesn’t have to stay online forever. And it definitely shouldn’t be the first thing people see when they Google your name.
