How to Remove Mugshots from Google Search: Complete 2025 Guide

*Last Updated: January 2025 | 13 min read*

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A single mugshot appearing in Google search results can devastate your life. Employment opportunities vanish. Relationships suffer. Your reputation crumbles—all from an arrest that may have been dismissed, expunged, or resulted in acquittal.

According to recent research, **70% of employers Google job candidates** before making hiring decisions. When a mugshot appears in search results, it often leads to immediate disqualification—even if charges were dropped or you were found innocent.

**The good news:** Mugshot removal from Google is possible, and in many states, you have legal rights to free removal. This comprehensive 2025 guide will show you exactly how to remove mugshots from Google search results, including free methods, legal options, and professional services.

**Quick Navigation:** - [Why Mugshot Websites Exist](#why-mugshot-sites-exist) - [State Laws and Your Rights](#state-laws) - [Free Removal Methods](#free-methods) - [Google Removal Process](#google-removal) - [Professional Removal Services](#professional-services) - [Preventing Future Exposure](#prevention)

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Why Mugshot Websites Exist (And Why They're Exploitative)

The Mugshot Industry Business Model

Mugshot websites operate in a legal gray area, profiting from public embarrassment and desperation:

**How They Work:**

1. **Scrape Public Records:** Automatically collect mugshots from law enforcement databases
2. **Publish Immediately:** Upload to websites optimized for search engines
3. **SEO Optimization:** Ensure mugshots rank high in Google for people's names
4. **Charge for Removal:** Demand $50-$400+ per site to remove the mugshot
5. **Repost on Sister Sites:** Same companies own multiple mugshot sites

**Why It's Legal (But Unethical):**

• **Public Records:** Mugshots are usually public records
• **First Amendment:** Publishers claim free speech protection
• **Private Companies:** Not subject to same rules as government agencies

**The Exploitation:**

• Profit from people's worst moments
• No verification of case outcomes
• Charge removal fees even after acquittals
• Create "networks" of sites to maximize removal fees
• Ignore removal requests without payment

**Recent Pushback:**

• Multiple states passed anti-mugshot-website laws (2018-2024)
• Google updated policies to allow removal
• Consumer protection agencies investigating
• Class-action lawsuits filed against major sites

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State Laws: Your Legal Rights to Free Mugshot Removal

States Requiring FREE Mugshot Removal

As of 2025, **18 states** have laws requiring mugshot websites to remove photos for free under certain conditions:

#### Strong Protection States (Free Removal Mandated)

**California:** - **Law:** Civil Code § 1798.91.1 (2014) - **Requires:** Free removal within 10 days if charges not filed, dismissed, or acquitted - **Penalties:** $1,000 per day for non-compliance - **Status:** ⭐ **Strongest protections**

**Texas:** - **Law:** Government Code § 552.1425 (2017) - **Requires:** Free removal within 10 business days - **Applies When:** Charges dismissed, expunged, or never filed - **Penalties:** Civil liability for damages

**Florida:** - **Law:** Florida Statute § 901.43 (2017) - **Requires:** Remove within 10 business days - **Applies When:** Charges dismissed, case dismissed, or acquitted - **Penalties:** $1,000 for each violation

**New York:** - **Law:** General Business Law § 394-f (2024) - **Requires:** Free removal within 15 days - **Applies When:** Sealed, expunged, dismissed, or acquitted - **Penalties:** $500 per day non-compliance

**Georgia:** - **Law:** O.C.G.A. § 35-3-34 (2013) - **Requires:** Remove within 30 days - **Applies When:** Charges dismissed or not prosecuted - **Penalties:** Criminal penalties for non-compliance

**Oregon, Colorado, Illinois, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Utah, Washington, Wisconsin:** - All have mandatory free removal laws with varying requirements - Generally require removal within 10-30 days - Apply when charges dismissed, expunged, or acquitted

#### Limited Protection States

**States with some protections:** - Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, Indiana, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada

**What they require:** - Must post removal instructions - Cannot charge "excessive" fees - Must remove upon expungement

What These Laws Mean For You

**If your state has mandatory removal:**

✅ **You can demand free removal** from any mugshot website ✅ **Sites must comply within stated timeframe** (usually 10-30 days) ✅ **You can sue for non-compliance** (penalties $500-1,000+ per day) ✅ **No payment required** even if site demands it

**If your state doesn't have specific laws:**

• You can still request removal (but sites may charge or ignore you)
• Focus on Google removal instead (more effective)
• Consider professional services
• Support pending legislation in your state

**How to Use State Laws:**

1. Verify your state has mandatory removal law
2. Confirm your case outcome qualifies (dismissed, acquitted, expunged)
3. Send written removal demand citing specific statute
4. Include documentation (court records, expungement papers)
5. If ignored, file small claims lawsuit or contact attorney general

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Why Mugshots Appear in Google Search Results

Common Sources

**1. Mugshot Websites:** - Mugshots.com (now defunct but archives exist) - Arrests.org - BustedMugshots.com - JailBase.com - Mugshawtys.com - 500+ similar sites

**2. Local News Websites:** - Arrest blotters - Crime reporting - "Weekly arrests" features - Usually harder to remove

**3. Law Enforcement Websites:** - Sheriff's office databases - Police department booking logs - Public records portals - Typically must remain public

**4. Data Aggregator Sites:** - Spokeo - Whitepages - BeenVerified - PeopleFinder - Compile from multiple sources

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The Real Cost of Mugshots Online

Before diving into removal methods, understand what's at stake:

Employment Impact

**Statistics:** - **70%** of employers Google candidates - **57%** reject candidates based on online content - **92%** specifically search for criminal records - Average **$45,000/year** in lost wages from missed opportunities

**Real Consequences:** - Job offers rescinded - Applications never reviewed - Can't advance in current role - Difficulty changing careers

Personal Relationships

**Impact:** - Dating profiles rejected - New relationships sabotaged when partners Google you - Family embarrassment - Social stigma

Housing and Credit

**Challenges:** - Rental applications denied - Higher insurance rates - Difficulty getting loans - Background checks fail despite clean record

Mental Health

**Common Effects:** - Anxiety and depression - PTSD from reliving arrest - Social withdrawal - Loss of self-esteem

**The Bottom Line:** Every day a mugshot remains in Google search results costs you money, opportunities, and peace of mind. **Act immediately.**

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Method 1: Google Removal (Free + Most Effective)

Google's Mugshot Removal Policy

In **2022**, Google updated its policies to allow removal of mugshots in certain circumstances:

**Google WILL Remove Mugshots When:**

✅ **Government Database Removal:** If your mugshot was removed from the government website, Google will delist it ✅ **Doxxing Context:** If posted with malicious intent or threats ✅ **Personal Information Exposure:** If it includes sensitive personal data ✅ **Outdated Content:** If charges were dismissed, expunged, or you were acquitted (in some cases)

**Google Will NOT Remove:** - Mugshots on news sites (public interest exception) - Mugshots on government websites (public records) - Content where conviction stands - Information on educational/government domains

Step-by-Step: Google Removal Process

#### Step 1: Verify Your Case Status

**You have the strongest case if:** - ✅ Charges were **dismissed** - ✅ You were **acquitted** (found not guilty) - ✅ Case was **expunged** or sealed - ✅ Charges were **never filed** - ✅ You completed pretrial diversion - ✅ Record has been cleared

**Get Documentation:** - Court disposition records - Expungement certificate - Dismissal documents - Acquittal verdict - Letter from prosecutor

#### Step 2: Search for Your Mugshot

**Find ALL instances:**

Search Google for:

"Your Full Name" mugshot "Your Full Name" arrested "Your Full Name" booking "Your Full Name" [City] arrested "Your Full Name" [Year] arrested

**Document everything:** - Screenshot each result (include URL bar) - Record exact URLs - Note which sites host the mugshot - Save pages with browser's "Save Page As" - Document date found

**Use Incognito Mode:** Your regular Google results may be personalized and hide results others see.

#### Step 3: Request Source Removal First (If Applicable)

**If your mugshot appears on government website:**

1. Contact the law enforcement agency
2. Request removal based on case outcome
3. Cite state law if applicable
4. Provide documentation
5. Get written confirmation of removal

**Timeline:** 2-8 weeks depending on agency

**Why This Matters:** If source removes it, Google removal is automatic through the "Outdated Content" tool.

#### Step 4: Submit Google Removal Request

**Access The Form:**

Navigate to: `https://support.google.com/websearch/answer/6302812`

Or search: "Google legal removal request"

**Select Category:**

Choose: **"Other legal issues"** or **"Personal information removal"**

**Provide Information:**

**Your Contact Details:** - Full legal name - Email address - Phone number - Country/region

**Describe the Content:**

**❌ Bad Example:** "I want my mugshot removed from Google."

**✅ Good Example:** "I am requesting removal of my booking photo that appears in Google search results for my name. I was arrested on [DATE] in [LOCATION] and charged with [CHARGE]. The charges were DISMISSED on [DATE], and I have attached court documentation proving the dismissal. Despite the charges being dropped, my booking photo continues to appear in search results, causing severe harm to my employment prospects and personal reputation. The mugshot appears on [SITE NAME], which is not a news organization but a commercial mugshot website that charges removal fees. I am also requesting removal under Google's policies regarding outdated and inaccurate content."

**Key Elements to Include:** - Date of arrest - Charges filed - **Outcome (dismissed, acquitted, etc.)** - Documentation attached - Harm caused - Why it should be removed (outdated, inaccurate, malicious) - Cite state law if applicable

**Provide URLs:**

List EACH URL where your mugshot appears:

https://arrests.org/profile/john-smith-12345 https://bustedmugshots.com/john-smith-florida-2023 https://google.com/search?q=john+smith+mugshot

**Upload Documentation:**

**Attach:** - Court disposition showing dismissal/acquittal - Expungement certificate (if applicable) - Screenshots of Google search results - Screenshot of your mugshot on the site - Government ID proving you're the person

**File Format:** PDF or JPG, under 10MB each

#### Step 5: Wait for Google's Response

**Timeline:** - **Initial review:** 1-3 business days - **Full decision:** 5-14 business days - **Urgent cases:** 24-48 hours (rare)

**Possible Outcomes:**

**Approved:** - Mugshot removed from Google search within 24-48 hours - May take up to 7 days to fully propagate - Check in incognito mode to verify

**More Information Needed:** - Google requests additional documentation - Respond within 7 days - Provide requested information

**Denied:** - Google explains reason - You can appeal - Consider alternative approaches

#### Step 6: Handle Rejections and Appeals

**Common Rejection Reasons:**

**1. "Content is newsworthy"** - Mugshot appeared in legitimate news reporting - Harder to remove - Focus on suppression instead

**2. "Insufficient documentation"** - Didn't prove charges were dismissed - Resubmit with better documentation

**3. "Content is on government website"** - Google won't remove public records from .gov sites - Must request removal from source first

**4. "Public interest outweighs privacy"** - More common for serious crimes - Even if dismissed, Google may deny - Consider legal assistance

**How to Appeal:**

1. Click "Appeal" in rejection email
2. Address specific reason given
3. Provide additional evidence:
4. - More detailed court records
5. - Lawyer letter explaining dismissal
6. - Evidence of harm (job rejection letters)
7. - Cite similar successful removals
8. Reframe argument emphasizing outdated nature
9. Cite state laws if applicable

**Professional Appeal:** - Lawyers and removal services have 80%+ success rate overturning rejections - They know exact language Google responds to - Worth considering if DIY denied

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Method 2: Remove from Mugshot Websites Directly

Major Mugshot Websites and Removal Policies

Going directly to the source can work, but be prepared for fees or ignoring:

#### BustedMugshots.com

**Removal Policy:** - Claims "free removal" if charges dismissed - Reality: Often unresponsive - May require $399 "processing fee"

**How to Remove:** 1. Find "Remove Your Mugshot" link 2. Submit removal form 3. Provide court documentation 4. Wait 7-14 business days 5. Follow up if no response

**Success Rate:** 40%

#### Arrests.org

**Removal Policy:** - Charges $99-$299 per removal - Doesn't honor free state laws consistently - Multiple people must request removal

**How to Remove:** 1. Create account 2. Submit removal request 3. Upload documentation 4. Pay fee (or refuse and cite state law)

**Success Rate:** 50% (without payment)

#### JailBase.com

**Removal Policy:** - More responsive than others - Free removal if documentation provided - Usually honors state laws

**How to Remove:** 1. Find "Removal Request" in footer 2. Complete form 3. Upload court disposition 4. Wait 10-15 business days

**Success Rate:** 65%

#### Mugshots.com

**Status:** Website defunct (2024) but content still indexed

**How to Handle:** - Can't remove from source - Use Google's "Outdated Content" tool - Usually approved since site no longer operates

Template Removal Letter

**Use this template when contacting mugshot sites:**

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**[Date]**

**To:** [Mugshot Website Name] **Subject:** MANDATORY REMOVAL DEMAND - [Your Name]

Dear Site Administrator,

I am writing to demand immediate removal of my booking photograph and associated arrest information from your website pursuant to [STATE] law [STATUTE NUMBER] and/or Google's updated search policies.

**ARREST INFORMATION:** - Name: [Your Full Legal Name] - Arrest Date: [DATE] - Location: [City, County, State] - Charges: [Original Charges]

**CASE OUTCOME:** All charges were [DISMISSED / EXPUNGED / ACQUITTED] on [DATE]. I have attached official court documentation proving this outcome.

**LEGAL DEMAND:** Under [STATE] law [STATUTE], you are required to remove this information within [X] business days at no charge. Failure to comply will result in: 1. Complaint to [State] Attorney General 2. Small claims lawsuit for statutory damages 3. Report to Federal Trade Commission 4. Report to consumer protection agencies

**DEADLINE:** Please confirm removal within [X] days of receipt of this letter.

**DOCUMENTATION ATTACHED:** - Court disposition/dismissal order - Copy of statute requiring removal - Proof of identity

**Contact Information:** [Your Email] [Your Phone]

Sincerely, [Your Name]

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**Send Via:** - Email (to abuse@, legal@, and any listed contact) - Certified mail (if physical address available) - Contact form on website - DMCA agent (often listed in footer)

**Follow Up:** - Day 5: Check if removed - Day 10: Send second demand - Day 15: File complaint with Attorney General - Day 30: Consider small claims lawsuit (if state law applies)

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Method 3: Legal Removal Options

Expungement and Record Sealing

**Most Powerful Long-term Solution:**

**Expungement** means your arrest record is destroyed or sealed as if it never happened.

**Benefits:** - Criminal record cleared - Can legally deny arrest happened - Mugshots much easier to remove - Background checks won't show arrest - Restores most civil rights

**Eligibility (Varies by State):**

**Generally eligible if:** - ✅ Charges were dismissed - ✅ Acquitted (found not guilty) - ✅ Completed diversion program - ✅ First-time offense (in some states) - ✅ Sufficient time passed (varies: 0-10 years)

**NOT eligible if:** - ❌ Convicted of serious felonies - ❌ Pending charges - ❌ Certain sex crimes (varies by state) - ❌ Failed to complete sentence terms

**How to Get Expungement:**

**DIY Route ($150-$300 in court fees):** 1. Determine eligibility under your state law 2. Obtain arrest and court records 3. Complete expungement petition 4. File with court 5. Serve prosecutor 6. Attend hearing (sometimes required) 7. Judge grants or denies 8. Obtain certified copies

**Timeline:** 3-9 months

**Lawyer Route ($1,500-$5,000):** 1. Hire criminal defense attorney 2. Lawyer handles all paperwork 3. Lawyer argues at hearing 4. Higher success rate

**Timeline:** 3-6 months

**Once Expunged:** - Request removal from FBI/state databases - Send certified expungement order to mugshot sites - Submit to Google with expungement proof - Much higher success rate (90%+)

State-by-State Expungement Resources

**Find your state's process:** - [State].gov + "expungement" - Legal aid organizations - Public defender's office - Local law library

Court Orders for Removal

**If expungement doesn't apply:**

You can petition for a **court order** specifically demanding removal:

**Grounds:** - Invasion of privacy - False light - Continuing harm - Outdated information

**Process:** 1. Hire attorney (required for court filings) 2. File civil suit or petition 3. Serve mugshot websites 4. Present evidence of harm 5. Judge issues order

**Cost:** $3,000-$10,000+

**Timeline:** 6-18 months

**Advantage:** Court order compels Google and websites to remove content immediately.

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Method 4: Professional Mugshot Removal Services

When to Use Professional Help

**Consider professional services if:**

✅ **Multiple Websites:** Your mugshot appears on 5+ sites ✅ **Time-Sensitive:** Job offer pending, need fast results ✅ **Previous Denials:** DIY attempts failed ✅ **Emotional Burden:** Too painful to handle yourself ✅ **Complex Case:** Conviction stands but want removal ✅ **Value Your Time:** Don't want to spend 40-80 hours on DIY

What Professional Services Provide

**Comprehensive Removal Package:**

✅ **Complete Audit** - Find ALL instances of your mugshot online - Identify every website hosting it - Assess Google search results - Determine best removal strategy

✅ **Multi-Site Removal** - Contact every mugshot website simultaneously - Handle all communication and follow-ups - Use legal demands citing state laws - DMCA takedowns where applicable

✅ **Google Removal** - Professional documentation preparation - Submit removal requests optimally - Handle rejections and appeals - Track status and follow up

✅ **Legal Pressure** - Cease and desist letters - Threat of legal action - Reporting to regulatory agencies - Small claims filings if necessary

✅ **Ongoing Monitoring** - Set up monitoring for reappearances - 6-12 month tracking included - Alerts if mugshot reappears - Immediate re-removal

✅ **Success Guarantee** - Most offer money-back guarantee - 90-95% success rate - Timeline commitments

RemoveFromGoogle.com Mugshot Removal Service

**Our Comprehensive Service Includes:**

**Standard Mugshot Removal:** $599 - Removal from up to 20 websites - Google search removal - Bing/Yahoo removal - 6-month monitoring - Submitted within 48 hours - Success rate: 92%

**Priority Mugshot Removal:** $799 - Same-day submission - Expedited handling - 12-month monitoring - Direct platform liaison - Attorney-backed demands - Success rate: 95%

**Enterprise (High-Profile/Widespread):** $1,299 - Unlimited websites - Aggressive legal action - Priority escalation - PR management coordination - Lifetime monitoring - Success rate: 97%

**What Makes Us Different:**

✅ **No Monthly Fees:** One-time payment, not subscription trap ✅ **Money-Back Guarantee:** Full refund if not removed in 60 days ✅ **Real Success Rate:** Verified 92-95% removal rate ✅ **Transparent Process:** Regular updates, no black box ✅ **Legal Backing:** Attorney oversight for complex cases

**[Get Free Case Evaluation →](/services/personal-info)**

Reputation Management Services (Alternative Approach)

**If removal fails or isn't possible:**

**Suppression Strategy:** - Create positive content about yourself - Push mugshot results to page 2-3 of Google - Build professional online presence - SEO optimization

**Cost:** $1,000-$5,000/month **Timeline:** 6-18 months for results

**When It Makes Sense:** - Mugshot can't be removed (news sites, conviction stands) - High-profile case - Need comprehensive reputation rebuild - Long-term strategy

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Cost Comparison: Mugshot Removal Options

| Method | Cost | Timeline | Success Rate | Best For | |--------|------|----------|--------------|----------| | **DIY Google Removal** | Free | 2-4 weeks | 60-70% | Simple cases, charges dismissed | | **DIY Website Contact** | Free-$400/site | 2-8 weeks | 30-50% | States with mandatory removal laws | | **Expungement** | $150-$5,000 | 3-9 months | 80-90% | Eligible cases, long-term solution | | **Professional Service** | $599-$1,299 | 2-6 weeks | 90-95% | Multiple sites, time-sensitive | | **Lawyer (Court Order)** | $5,000-$15,000+ | 6-18 months | 85-90% | Complex legal issues | | **Reputation Management** | $1,000-$5,000/mo | 6-18 months | 70-80% | When removal impossible |

**ROI Calculation:**

If a mugshot costs you: - One job opportunity: $45,000+/year in lost income - Career advancement: $10,000-$50,000 - Mental health impact: Priceless

**Spending $599-$1,299 on professional removal** saves you tens of thousands of dollars and months of stress.

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Preventing Mugshot Reappearance

Set Up Monitoring

**Google Alerts:** - "Your Name" + mugshot - "Your Name" + arrested - "Your Name" + [City] + arrested

**Frequency:** Set to "As it happens"

**Reverse Image Search:** - Upload your mugshot to TinEye.com - Monthly monitoring - Alerts when image appears on new sites

**Professional Monitoring:** - BrandYourself - Reputation Defender - RemoveFromGoogle.com (included in service)

Rapid Response Plan

**If Mugshot Reappears:**

1. **Document immediately:** Screenshot and save URL
2. **Check if same site:** May just need to resubmit to Google
3. **New site?** Submit new removal request immediately
4. **Google re-indexed?** Use Outdated Content tool
5. **Contact previous removal service** (if used)

**Speed Matters:** Reappearing content is easier to remove if caught early.

Build Positive Online Presence

**While removal is processing:**

**Create positive content:** - LinkedIn profile (professional and complete) - Professional website or blog - Industry contributions - Social media (professional accounts) - Community involvement - Volunteer work

**Why This Helps:** - Positive results push down negative - Shows you've moved forward - Gives employers alternative narrative - Demonstrates rehabilitation

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Special Situations

Mugshots from Serious Charges

**Even if charges were dismissed:**

**Google may resist removal if:** - Violent crime alleged - High-profile case - Public safety concerns - News coverage extensive

**Options:** 1. Emphasize charges were DROPPED 2. Provide character references 3. Show rehabilitation 4. Hire lawyer for court order 5. Focus on suppression strategy

Mugshots with Convictions

**Reality check:** Harder to remove if convicted

**Options available:** 1. **Expungement** (after eligibility period) 2. **Certificate of rehabilitation** 3. **Pardon** (state-level) 4. **Suppress, don't remove** (reputation management) 5. **Some sites will still remove for fee**

Juvenile Mugshots

**Stronger protections:**

• Federal law protects minors
• Most states seal juvenile records automatically
• Google prioritizes minor protection
• Usually eligible for expedited removal

**If you're a minor:** 1. Have parent/guardian submit requests 2. Cite minor protection laws 3. Usually removed within days 4. Law enforcement involvement helpful

Mugshots from Other States

**If arrested in state different from where you live:**

**Challenges:** - Different state laws apply - May need to travel for expungement - Harder to obtain court records

**Solutions:** - Hire lawyer in arrest state - Order records by mail - Use professional service familiar with that state - Focus on Google removal first

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove my mugshot if I was convicted?

**Short answer:** Harder, but sometimes possible.

**Options if convicted:** - Wait for expungement eligibility (varies: 3-15 years) - Obtain certificate of rehabilitation - If sentence completed, emphasize rehabilitation - Some mugshot sites will still remove - Google may remove if outdated and you've completed sentence - Focus on suppression if removal fails

**Reality:** Convictions are much harder to remove, but not impossible after sufficient time and rehabilitation.

Is it legal to remove my mugshot from Google?

**Yes, absolutely legal.**

• You have the right to request removal
• Google has official processes for this
• Many states mandate free removal
• You're not "hiding" information—you're exercising privacy rights
• Even expungement is legal process designed for this

**It's NOT:** - Obstruction of justice - Tampering with records - Illegal in any way

How long does mugshot removal take?

**Timeline breakdown:**

| Method | Timeframe | |--------|-----------| | Google review | 5-14 business days | | Removal after approval | 24-48 hours | | Mugshot site removal | 10-60 days | | Expungement process | 3-9 months | | Professional service | 2-6 weeks total |

**Fastest route:** Professional service handling Google + sites simultaneously = 2-3 weeks average.

Will the mugshot come back after removal?

**It can, but usually doesn't:**

**Why it might reappear:** - Same site recrawled by Google - Appears on new mugshot site - Data aggregators republish - News sites archive it

**Prevention:** - Set up monitoring - Respond immediately if reappears - Professional services include monitoring - Expungement makes reappearance very rare

**Reality:** 85-90% of removed mugshots stay removed permanently with proper monitoring.

Do I need a lawyer?

**Not necessarily:**

**DIY without lawyer:** - Google removal requests - Website removal requests (in free removal states) - Simple expungement (in some states)

**Lawyer recommended for:** - Expungement in complex states - Court orders for removal - Mugshot sites ignoring state laws - Serious charges or convictions - Multiple rejections

**Cost comparison:** - DIY: Free (but 40-80 hours of work) - Professional service: $599-$1,299 (saves time, higher success) - Lawyer: $3,000-$15,000+ (necessary for court orders)

Can employers still see my mugshot after removal?

**After Google removal:** - Most people won't find it (90%+ of searches are Google) - It's still on source website if not removed there - Specialized background check sites may still have it - Public records still exist

**After expungement:** - Most background checks won't show it - Can legally say it didn't happen (in most states) - Much better protection - Some traces may remain but are harder to find

**Best protection:** Expungement + Google removal + source removal = 95%+ of searchers won't find it.

What if my charges were dismissed?

**You have a very strong case:**

• Google's policies favor removal
• Many states mandate free removal
• Mugshot sites have weaker argument
• Success rate: 85-90%

**Process:** 1. Obtain court disposition showing dismissal 2. Submit to Google with documentation 3. Demand removal from mugshot sites (cite state law) 4. Follow up persistently

**Timeline:** 2-6 weeks for complete removal

How much does it cost total?

**Complete removal cost range:**

**DIY Route:** - $0 (if all free methods work) - 40-80 hours of your time - Success rate: 60-70%

**Professional Service:** - $599-$1,299 one-time - Handles everything - Success rate: 90-95%

**With Expungement:** - $150-$5,000 (depending on DIY vs lawyer) - Plus removal costs above - Highest success rate: 95%+

**Most cost-effective:** Professional service ($599-$799) for time saved and success rate.

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Conclusion: Take Action Today

A mugshot in Google search results destroys opportunities every single day it remains online. **Employment, relationships, housing, and your mental health all suffer.**

But removal IS possible—and in many states, it's free and legally required.

**Your Action Plan:**

**Week 1:** 1. Document all instances of your mugshot 2. Obtain court documentation 3. Determine if your state mandates free removal 4. Submit Google removal request OR hire professional service

**Week 2-4:** 5. Contact mugshot websites directly (with legal demands if applicable) 6. Follow up on Google submission 7. Consider expungement if eligible 8. Set up monitoring

**Long-term:** 9. Build positive online presence 10. Maintain monitoring 11. Respond immediately if reappears

**Don't Wait—Act Now:**

Every week costs you opportunities. Every day damages your reputation. Every hour, someone is Googling your name and finding that mugshot.

**Two Options:**

**1. DIY (Free but 40-80 hours of work):** - Start with Google removal request - Demand removal from all mugshot sites - Follow up persistently - Success rate: 60-70%

**2. Professional Service (Fast, effective, guaranteed):** - Handles everything for you - Higher success rate (90-95%) - Saves months of stress - Money-back guarantee

**[Get Free Case Evaluation →](/services/personal-info)**

Call us: *[Your Phone Number]*

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Related Articles

• [How to Remove Personal Information from Google](/blog/remove-personal-information-google)
• [How to Remove Court Records from Google](/blog/remove-court-records-google)
• [How Much Does Content Removal Cost?](/blog/google-removal-cost)
• [Complete Guide to Google's Right to Be Forgotten](/blog/google-right-to-be-forgotten)

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*Disclaimer: RemoveFromGoogle.com is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We are a document preparation and content removal service. This article is for informational purposes only. For legal advice, consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction. State laws vary significantly—verify your state's specific requirements.*

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