Imagine searching for your name online and seeing an old mugshot at the top of Google results. It can feel frustrating, especially if you’ve moved forward in life. You may have built a career, started a family, or simply changed for the better. But that one image can still show up and create the wrong impression.
The good news is that you don’t have to live with this forever. There are ways to remove or push down unwanted images from search results. Google itself does not host these images, but it indexes content from other websites. That means if you can get the image removed from the original site, it will eventually disappear from Google too.
If the website refuses to take it down, there are still ways to protect your online reputation. By following the right steps, you can make sure that people searching for your name see the best version of you.
How Do Mugshots Appear in Google Search?
Mugshots usually show up in search results because they are part of public records. Some websites, like erase.com, collect and publish arrest records, making them accessible to anyone. Since these sites often rank well in search results, they can appear on the first page when someone looks up your name.
Why Do Mugshots Get Published Online?
- Many mugshot websites claim to provide “public information” for transparency.
- Some websites charge a fee to remove mugshots.
- Older arrest records can stay online for years, even if the case was dismissed or charges were dropped.
Since Google indexes publicly available content, it picks up these mugshots and displays them in search results. This can make it challenging to control your online image.
Steps to Remove a Mugshot from Google
Since Google only displays content from other websites, removing a mugshot from search results requires action at the source. Follow these steps to get the image removed or hidden.
Step 1: Contact the Website Owner
The first step is to reach out to the website hosting the mugshot. Some websites have policies for removing images upon request.
- Find the contact details – Most websites have a “Contact Us” or “Support” section.
- Check removal policies – Some sites offer free removal if charges were dropped or records were expunged.
- Request removal politely – Explain your situation and provide any legal documents if required.
If the website agrees to remove the mugshot, it will eventually disappear from Google once the page is deleted or updated.
Step 2: Use Google’s Removal Tools
If the mugshot has been removed from the original website but still appears in Google search results, you can request removal through Google’s tools.
- Google’s “Outdated Content Removal Tool” helps remove images that no longer exist on the original website.
- If the mugshot includes sensitive personal information (like your full name, address, or ID details), you can file a request under Google’s Personal Information Removal Policy.
Step 3: Explore Legal Options
In some cases, legal action may be necessary. Certain states in the U.S. have laws that require mugshot websites to remove images upon request.
- Some states ban websites from charging a fee for mugshot removal.
- If the website refuses to remove your mugshot, consult a lawyer for options.
- Expunging your record can sometimes help remove the mugshot from public records.
If legal action is taken, the website may be required to remove the mugshot, and Google will eventually de-index the page.
What If the Website Won’t Remove the Mugshot?
If the mugshot stays online, the best approach is to reduce its visibility. This is done through online reputation management. The goal is to push down negative search results by filling the internet with positive content linked to your name.
Create New Positive Content
- Publish new content on social media, personal websites, or blogs.
- Write articles, share updates, or create videos that rank well in search results.
- Over time, these new pages will appear above the mugshot in Google search.
Optimize Social Media Profiles
- Keep LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram updated.
- Use your real name and a professional profile picture.
- Fill out your profiles with relevant information, making them more likely to appear in search results.
Get Featured on High-Ranking Websites
- Write guest posts on blogs or news sites.
- Get mentioned in press releases or interviews.
- The more positive content linked to your name, the better your search results will be.
By consistently posting new content, you can control what appears when someone searches for your name.
Can You Prevent Mugshots from Appearing Online?
While you can’t completely stop public records from appearing online, you can take steps to protect your privacy.
| Action | Benefit |
| Use Privacy Settings | Adjust social media settings to limit public visibility. |
| Monitor Your Name | Set up Google Alerts to track new content about you. |
| Request Data Removal | Contact websites that store personal information. |
| Build a Strong Online Presence | Create high-ranking content to push down negative results. |
By being proactive, you can minimize the chances of unwanted content appearing in search results.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Remove a Mugshot from Google?
It depends on the website and Google’s indexing speed. If the original website removes the mugshot, it may take a few weeks for Google to update its search results.
Can I Pay Google to Remove My Mugshot?
No, Google does not offer paid removal services. However, they do allow removal requests for certain types of personal information.
Will Expunging My Record Remove My Mugshot from Google?
Expunging your record may help, but it does not automatically remove content from private websites. You will still need to request removal from each website individually.
What If My Mugshot is Still on Google After Removal?
If the mugshot is still visible in Google search after removal from the original website, use Google’s “Outdated Content Removal Tool.” This speeds up the process of de-indexing the page.
Final Thoughts
Protecting your digital identity is important, especially if an old mugshot is affecting your online reputation. The first step is to request removal from the original website. If that doesn’t work, use Google’s removal tools or explore legal options. If the image cannot be removed, creating new content can help push it down in search results.
Taking control of your online presence takes time, but with the right steps, you can ensure that your best self is what people see online.