In a world where one Google search can shape someone’s opinion of you, having an old mugshot show up online can feel like a heavy weight that never quite goes away.
Even if the charges were dropped or it happened years ago, that image can stick around and impact everything from job opportunities to your peace of mind.
What Is a Mugshot—and Why Is It Still Online?
A mugshot is a photograph taken by the police when someone is arrested. It’s designed to assist with tasks such as identification and record-keeping. But over the years, these photos have made their way online—onto search engines, news articles, and entire websites built just to display them.
And once they’re out there, they can be hard to get rid of.
Why Are Mugshots So Easy to Access?
Thanks to public records laws, mugshots are considered fair game in many states. Some websites gather these images from police departments and post them online for public access.
And here’s the kicker—some of those same websites charge fees to remove them.
There is little regulation surrounding how long mugshots can remain online or who can post them. That’s why people are often surprised to find an old photo still floating around years later.
How Mugshots Can Affect Your Life
Even if it was a minor incident or charges were dropped, a mugshot can leave a lasting mark.
Social Judgment and Stigma
People tend to assume the worst when they see a mugshot. It doesn’t matter if the case went nowhere—once that image is out there, it can shape how you’re caught.
Work and Housing Problems
Landlords and employers often run quick online searches. If your mugshot comes up, it could cost you an interview or a place to live, without ever getting the chance to explain.
Emotional Toll
For many, the worst part is the constant reminder. Seeing that photo pop up again and again can cause anxiety, frustration, and shame, especially when you’ve worked hard to move forward.
What the Law Says (and Where It Falls Short)
Some states are starting to pass laws that limit the release or reposting of mugshots, particularly for individuals who have been acquitted. But it’s far from consistent.
In a few instances, you can request that your mugshot be removed. In other words, the law protects the websites more than the people in the photos.
If you’re trying to get a mugshot removed, what works in one state might not work in another. Knowing your local laws makes a big difference.
Can You Get a Mugshot Removed?
In many cases, yes—but it takes effort.
Legal Options
Depending on your situation, you can request removal based on outdated information, privacy violations, or even defamation. Some laws protect individuals who have never been convicted or who have had their records expunged.
Working with Removal Services
Some companies specialize in mugshot removal. Some are legit, some aren’t—so be careful. Look for firms with experience in content removal and a strong track record.
DIY Content Suppression
If you can’t remove the photo, you can push it down in the search results. Create positive content, such as updated LinkedIn profiles, websites, or news articles, that provides Google with more relevant information to display.
How to Protect Your Reputation Moving Forward
You don’t have to wait for something to go wrong to take control of your online image. Here are a few things you can start doing now:
- Google yourself regularly. Know what’s out there.
- Set up Google Alerts to stay on top of new mentions.
- Tighten your social media privacy settings.
- Post content you’re proud of—blog posts, videos, and profiles that reflect your current work and life.
- Claim your name on major sites so you’re the one shaping your online presence, not someone else.
These steps help make sure that if someone searches for you, they see the person you are today, not a single moment from the past.
