How to Remove Court Records from Google Search: Complete 2025 Guide

Last Updated: January 2025 | 12 min read

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Court records appearing in Google search results can devastate your life, even if charges were dismissed, you were acquitted, or the case was years ago. 82% of employers Google candidates before hiring, and court records often lead to immediate disqualification—regardless of the outcome.

The good news: Court records CAN be removed from Google in many situations, and in some cases, you can have the records sealed or expunged entirely.

This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about removing court records from Google search results in 2025, including free methods, legal options, and professional services.

Quick Navigation:

• Types of Court Records
• Google's Court Records Policy
• Expungement vs. Sealing vs. Google Removal
• Step-by-Step Removal Process
• State-by-State Expungement Guide
• Professional Services

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Understanding Court Records and Public Access

Types of Court Records

Criminal Court Records:

• Arrest records
• Charging documents
• Court dockets and filings
• Plea agreements
• Sentencing records
• Probation records
• Appeal documents

Civil Court Records:

• Lawsuits (plaintiff or defendant)
• Divorce proceedings
• Bankruptcy filings
• Small claims cases
• Restraining orders
• Child custody cases
• Foreclosure records

Other Public Records:

• Traffic violations
• DUI/DWI arrests
• Domestic violence cases
• Protection orders
• Eviction records

How Court Records Appear on Google

Common Sources:

1. Government Websites:

• State court databases
• County clerk websites
• Federal court systems (PACER)
• Law enforcement agencies

2. Third-Party Aggregators:

• Public record search sites
• Background check websites
• Legal research platforms
• News archives

3. Mugshot Websites:

• Commercial booking photo sites
• Arrest information databases
• Combined with court records

4. News Media:

• Local news coverage
• Crime blotters
• Court beat reporting
• Online news archives

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Google's Policy on Court Records

What Google Will Remove

Google WILL Remove Court Records When:

✅ Expunged or Sealed Records:

• If court officially expunged or sealed the record
• Must provide court order proving expungement

✅ Government Website Removal:

• If removed from source government website
• Use "Outdated Content" tool

✅ Personal Information in Records:

• SSN, bank accounts, sensitive personal data
• Minors' information
• Victims' information (in some cases)

✅ Doxxing Context:

• Court records posted with malicious intent
• Accompanied by threats or harassment

Google Will NOT Remove:

❌ Public Records on .gov Sites:

• Active court records on government websites
• Public access required by law

❌ News Reporting:

• Legitimate journalism about court cases
• Public interest stories

❌ Accurate Third-Party Reports:

• Background check sites reporting accurate information
• Legal research databases

❌ Ongoing or Recent Cases:

• Active litigation
• Recent convictions

The Legal Standard

Google balances:

• Public's right to know vs. Individual's right to privacy
• Accuracy of information vs. Harm caused
• Newsworthy content vs. Outdated information

Key Factors:

• How long ago was the case?
• What was the outcome (dismissed, convicted, acquitted)?
• Has the record been legally expunged/sealed?
• Is there ongoing public interest?
• Are you a public figure?

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Legal Options: Expungement vs. Sealing vs. Google Removal

Option 1: Expungement (Most Powerful)

Expungement = Record is destroyed or sealed as if it never happened.

Benefits:

• Record cleared from most databases
• Can legally deny arrest happened (in most states)
• Much easier to remove from Google
• Background checks won't show it
• Restores civil rights
• Employment applications

Eligibility (Varies by State):

Generally Eligible:

• ✅ Charges dismissed
• ✅ Acquitted (found not guilty)
• ✅ First-time non-violent offenses
• ✅ Completed diversion program
• ✅ Sufficient time passed (varies: 0-10 years)
• ✅ Juvenile offenses (in many states)

Generally NOT Eligible:

• ❌ Serious violent felonies
• ❌ Sex offenses (varies by state)
• ❌ Multiple convictions
• ❌ Pending charges
• ❌ Certain DUI/DWI (varies)

Process:

1. Determine eligibility under your state law
2. Obtain all court and arrest records
3. File expungement petition with court
4. Serve prosecutor/law enforcement
5. Attend hearing (if required)
6. Judge grants or denies
7. Obtain certified court order
8. Serve order on FBI, state databases, etc.

Cost:

• DIY: $150-$500 (court fees)
• With Lawyer: $1,500-$5,000

Timeline: 3-9 months

Option 2: Record Sealing (Alternative to Expungement)

Sealing = Record still exists but is hidden from public view.

Differences from Expungement:

• Record not destroyed, just sealed
• Law enforcement may still access
• May need to disclose in certain situations
• Easier to obtain in some states

Eligibility:

• Often broader than expungement
• Available in states that don't offer expungement
• Lower barriers to approval

Cost: Similar to expungement ($1,500-$5,000 with lawyer)

Option 3: Google Removal (Without Expungement)

Direct Google removal without expungement:

Possible When:

• Government website removed the record
• Record contains personal information eligible for removal
• Posted in doxxing context
• Outdated and no longer relevant (harder)

Limitations:

• Google may deny if record still public
• Doesn't clear the actual record
• Less effective than expungement

Best Strategy:

1. Ideal: Expungement + Google removal
2. Alternative: Google removal + source site removal
3. Last Resort: Reputation management (suppression)

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Step-by-Step: Removing Court Records from Google

Method 1: Expungement + Google Removal (Recommended)

This is the most effective long-term solution.

Step 1: Determine Expungement Eligibility

Check Your State's Laws:

• Search "[Your State] expungement laws"
• Contact public defender's office
• Consult criminal defense attorney
• Use state-specific legal aid resources

Key Questions:

• What was the charge?
• What was the outcome?
• How long ago was it?
• Do you have prior convictions?
• Have you completed all sentence terms?

Step 2: Obtain Your Records

What You Need:

• Police arrest report
• Charging documents
• Court docket
• Disposition (outcome)
• Sentencing documents (if any)
• Proof of completion (if probation/diversion)

How to Get Records:

• Court clerk's office (in person or online)
• State police/FBI background check
• PACER (federal cases)
• Cost: $0-$50 depending on jurisdiction

Step 3: File Expungement Petition

DIY Process:

1. Download your state's expungement forms
2. Complete petition accurately
3. Attach all supporting documents
4. File with court clerk
5. Pay filing fee ($150-$500)
6. Serve copies on prosecutor, law enforcement
7. Wait for hearing date

With Lawyer:

• Attorney handles all paperwork
• Argues at hearing
• Higher success rate
• Cost: $1,500-$5,000

Step 4: Attend Hearing (If Required)

Some states:

• No hearing required (administrative)
• Automatic approval if eligible

If hearing required:

• Dress professionally
• Bring lawyer (recommended)
• Explain why expungement deserved
• Prosecutor may object
• Judge decides

Arguments That Work:

• Clean record since incident
• Completed all requirements
• Need for employment
• Rehabilitation demonstrated
• Time passed

Step 5: Obtain Certified Expungement Order

Once Granted:

• Get certified copies (10-15 copies)
• Send to:
  • FBI
  • State police
  • Local law enforcement
  • Court clerk
  • Probation department

Timeline: 30-90 days for databases to update

Step 6: Remove from Google

Now Armed with Expungement:

Submit to Google:

1. Navigate to Google's removal request form
2. Select "Personal information" or "Legal removal"
3. Attach certified expungement order
4. Provide URLs of search results showing court records
5. Explain: "Court records have been legally expunged per attached order. This information is no longer public and should be removed from search results."

Success Rate: 90%+ with valid expungement order

Timeline: 7-14 days for Google review, removal within 24-48 hours if approved

Method 2: Google Removal Without Expungement

If expungement not available or pending:

Option A: Government Source Removal First

If record appears on government website:

Step 1: Contact the government agency

• Court clerk's office
• County records department
• State court administration

Step 2: Request removal based on:

• Case outcome (dismissed, acquitted)
• State law (some require removal)
• Time passed (if policy exists)
• Errors in record

Step 3: If Removed from Source

Use Google's "Outdated Content" tool:

• Tool: search.google.com/search-console/remove-outdated-content
• Submit URL of removed page
• Google will re-crawl and remove from index
• Usually approved within 1-2 days

Option B: Personal Information Removal

If court records contain:

• SSN, bank accounts, financial information
• Medical records
• Home address (in certain contexts)

Submit Google Removal Request:

1. Use personal information removal form
2. Highlight specific sensitive information
3. Explain harm caused
4. Request redaction or removal

Success Rate: 60-70% for qualifying information

Option C: Third-Party Site Removal

For court records on background check sites, news sites, etc.:

Background Check Sites:

• Many have opt-out processes
• Often slow or ignore requests
• May charge removal fees

News Sites:

• Rarely remove legitimate reporting
• Can request update with case outcome
• Some media outlets have policies for old content

Mugshot Sites:

• See Mugshot Removal Guide
• May require state law compliance
• Professional removal often necessary

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State-by-State Expungement Guide

Expungement-Friendly States

California:

• Automatic expungement for eligible cases (as of 2023)
• Penal Code § 1203.4
• Most misdemeanors and felonies eligible
• Timeline: 1-2 years after sentence completion

Illinois:

• Generous expungement laws
• Many convictions now eligible
• Automatic expungement for some cases (2021 law)
• Cost: $122 filing fee

New York:

• Record sealing available
• CPL § 160.59 (sealing for some convictions)
• Recent reforms expanded eligibility
• Timeline: Varies (some automatic after 10 years)

Pennsylvania:

• Clean Slate Act (2018) - automatic expungement
• Many low-level offenses auto-expunged after 10 years
• Cost: Free (automatic)

Colorado:

• Record sealing available
• Many offenses eligible after waiting period
• Filing fee: $65

Restrictive States

Arizona:

• No true expungement (only "set aside")
• Record remains visible but marked "set aside"
• Does not remove from searches

Georgia:

• Limited expungement eligibility
• Only certain offenses qualify
• Strict time requirements

Kentucky:

• Narrow expungement laws
• Long waiting periods
• Many exclusions

Texas:

• "Nondisclosure" (sealing) available
• True expungement only for certain cases
• Complex process

How to Find Your State's Laws

Resources:

• [State].gov + "expungement"
• National Center for State Courts (ncsc.org)
• Legal aid organizations
• Public defender's office
• Expungement clinics (often free)

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Timeline and Costs

Expungement Timeline

| Phase | Timeframe | |-------|-----------| | Research and eligibility | 1-2 weeks | | Obtain records | 2-4 weeks | | Prepare and file petition | 1-4 weeks | | Waiting period (varies by state) | 30-90 days | | Hearing (if required) | 1-2 hours | | Judge's decision | Immediate to 2 weeks | | Processing and distribution | 30-60 days | | Total | 3-9 months |

Google Removal Timeline

| Method | Timeframe | |--------|-----------| | With expungement order | 7-14 days review | | Outdated content tool | 1-3 days | | Personal info removal | 7-21 days | | Without legal backing | 14-30 days (often denied) |

Cost Breakdown

DIY Expungement:

• Court filing fees: $150-$500
• Record copies: $10-$50
• Certified copies: $25-$100
• Service of process: $25-$75
• Total: $210-$725

Lawyer-Assisted Expungement:

• Attorney fees: $1,500-$5,000
• Plus court fees above
• Total: $1,710-$5,725

Professional Google Removal:

• With expungement: $299-$599
• Without expungement: $599-$999
• Complex cases: $1,299-$1,999

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When Removal Isn't Possible

Public Interest Exception

Google unlikely to remove if:

• High-profile case
• Ongoing public interest
• You're a public figure
• Serious crimes (even if old)
• Recent conviction

Alternatives to Removal

Option 1: Reputation Management ($1,000-$5,000/month)

• Suppress results to page 2-3
• Create positive content
• SEO optimization
• Long-term strategy

Option 2: Request Case Outcome Update

• Contact news sites
• Request they add update about dismissal/acquittal
• Some outlets will add editor's note
• Doesn't remove but adds context

Option 3: Accept and Move Forward

• Address in job interviews proactively
• Explain circumstances and rehabilitation
• Character references
• Focus on what you've done since

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Professional Court Record Removal Services

When to Use Professional Help

Consider professional assistance if:

✅ Multiple Platforms: Records on courts, news sites, background checks
✅ Expungement Complex: Need lawyer + removal service
✅ Previous Denials: DIY attempts failed
✅ Time-Sensitive: Job offer pending
✅ Complex Case: Multiple jurisdictions
✅ Value Your Time: Don't want to spend 80-100 hours

What Professional Services Provide

Comprehensive Service:

✅ Expungement Coordination

• Partner with criminal defense attorneys
• Determine eligibility
• Facilitate legal process
• Obtain certified orders

✅ Multi-Platform Removal

• Google and Bing
• Background check sites
• News archives
• Court record databases
• Data brokers

✅ Documentation

• Professional removal requests
• Legal justifications
• Evidence compilation
• Follow-up and appeals

✅ Monitoring

• 6-12 month monitoring
• Alerts for reappearances
• Immediate resubmission

Pricing

Court Record Removal Service:

With Expungement Order: $599

• Submit to all search engines
• Background check site opt-outs
• 6-month monitoring
• Success rate: 92%

Without Expungement: $999

• More complex removal process
• Multiple platform approach
• 12-month monitoring
• Success rate: 75%

Expungement + Removal Bundle: $2,499

• Partner attorney files expungement
• We handle Google removal
• Complete package
• Success rate: 95%

Get Free Case Evaluation →

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Preventing Future Court Record Exposure

After Expungement

Steps to Take:

1. Update Your Records Everywhere:

• FBI background check database
• State police records
• County court records
• Probation departments

2. Monitor for Reappearance:

• Set up Google Alerts
• Monthly searches for your name + court/arrest
• Check major background check sites quarterly

3. Respond Immediately:

• If records reappear, submit new removal request
• Reference expungement order
• Most reappearances are old cached data

General Privacy Measures

Limit Information Sharing:

• Be cautious on social media
• Use privacy settings
• Don't post about legal issues
• Remove old posts mentioning cases

Opt Out of Data Brokers:

• Whitepages, Spokeo, BeenVerified, etc.
• Quarterly opt-out maintenance
• Consider automated service ($129/year)

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can all court records be removed from Google?

No, not all court records qualify for removal.

Removable:

• Expunged or sealed records
• Records removed from government source
• Cases with dismissed charges (sometimes)
• Outdated cases with no public interest (sometimes)

Not Removable:

• Active convictions on public record
• Recent cases
• High-profile matters
• Newsworthy content
• Public figures' records

Best Strategy: Expungement first makes removal much easier (90%+ success rate).

How long does expungement take?

Timeline:

• Research and filing: 4-8 weeks
• Court processing: 30-90 days
• Hearing (if required): Scheduled 30-60 days out
• Final order: Immediately to 2 weeks
• Database updates: 30-90 days
• Total: 3-9 months

Faster in some states (automatic expungement)
Slower in others (complex requirements)

Will expungement remove records from Google automatically?

No. Expungement clears the legal record, but Google doesn't automatically know about it.

You must:

1. Obtain certified expungement order
2. Submit to Google with removal request
3. Contact background check sites
4. Request removal from news archives
5. Monitor for compliance

Expungement makes removal MUCH easier (90%+ approval) but doesn't happen automatically.

How much does it cost to remove court records from Google?

DIY (Free to $725):

• Google removal request: $0
• Expungement (DIY): $210-$725 court fees

Professional Service:

• With expungement order: $599
• Without expungement: $999
• Expungement + removal bundle: $2,499

Lawyer:

• Expungement: $1,500-$5,000
• Court order for removal: $3,000-$10,000

Most Cost-Effective: DIY expungement ($210-$725) + Professional Google removal ($599) = $809-$1,324

What if my charges were dismissed?

You have strong grounds for removal:

Options:

1. Expungement (often eligible if dismissed)
2. Google removal (cite dismissal)
3. Source removal (contact government site)

Success Rate:

• With expungement: 90%+
• Without expungement: 60-70%

Process:

1. Obtain court disposition showing dismissal
2. File for expungement if eligible
3. Submit to Google with documentation
4. Emphasize charges were dropped

Can employers still see expunged records?

Depends on the employer and state:

Private Employers:

• Most background checks won't show expunged records
• You can legally say it didn't happen (in most states)
• Record sealed from most databases

Government/Law Enforcement:

• May still access sealed/expunged records
• Licensing boards sometimes can access
• Varies significantly by state and job type

Federal Agencies:

• Higher security clearance jobs may still access
• FBI database may retain records
• Disclose if specifically asked about expunged records

Best Protection: Expungement + Google removal + background check site opt-outs = 95%+ of employers won't find it.

What's the difference between expungement and sealing?

Expungement:

• Record destroyed or treated as if it never existed
• Can legally deny arrest happened (in most situations)
• Most thorough option
• Not available in all states

Sealing:

• Record still exists but hidden from public
• Law enforcement may still access
• May need to disclose in certain circumstances
• Available in more states

Google Removal:

• Only removes from search results
• Original record still exists
• Must be combined with expungement/sealing for full protection

How long does Google removal take?

With Expungement Order:

• Google review: 7-14 days
• Removal: 24-48 hours after approval
• Total: 1-3 weeks

Without Expungement:

• Google review: 14-30 days
• Higher chance of denial
• May require appeals
• Total: 3-6 weeks (if approved)

Outdated Content Tool:

• Review: 1-3 days
• Removal: Immediate
• Total: 1-3 days

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Conclusion: Your Path Forward

Court records in Google search results don't have to haunt you forever. Whether through expungement, legal removal, or professional services, options exist to reclaim your privacy and move forward.

Your Action Plan:

Week 1:

1. Research your state's expungement laws
2. Obtain copies of all court records
3. Determine eligibility
4. Document all locations where records appear online

Month 1-3: 5. File expungement petition (DIY or with lawyer) 6. Attend hearing if required 7. Obtain certified order

Month 3-4: 8. Submit expungement order to Google 9. Contact background check sites 10. Request removal from data brokers 11. Set up monitoring

Ongoing: 12. Monitor for reappearances 13. Respond immediately if records surface 14. Maintain privacy settings

Two Paths:

Path A: DIY (Budget-Conscious)

• Cost: $210-$725
• Time: 100-150 hours
• Success: 70-80%

Path B: Professional Bundle (Recommended)

• Cost: $2,499 (expungement + removal)
• Time: 5-10 hours (your involvement)
• Success: 95%+

The Investment:

Court records cost you:

• Jobs lost: $45,000+/year each
• Career advancement: $10,000-$100,000
• Housing denials: $14,400-$36,000/year
• Professional licenses: Career-ending
• Mental health: Priceless

Spending $809-$2,499 saves you tens of thousands of dollars and years of setbacks.

Get Free Case Evaluation →

Call us: [Your Phone Number]

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Related Articles

• How to Remove Mugshots from Google
• How to Remove Personal Information from Google
• How Much Does Content Removal Cost?
• Complete Guide to Google's Right to Be Forgotten

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Disclaimer: RemoveFromGoogle.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is for informational purposes only. Expungement laws vary significantly by state. For legal advice, consult a licensed criminal defense attorney in your jurisdiction.

Last Updated: January 2025. State laws and Google policies are subject to change. Check for updates regularly.