Facing criminal charges is stressful enough. Seeing your mugshot online on sites like Google or social media makes it even worse. Many people feel embarrassed, ashamed, and anxious knowing that anyone, from friends to employers, can find their photo with a simple search. It’s especially frustrating because mugshots often stay online even if you are innocent or the charges were dropped.
Google understands how harmful this can be. They have removed some mugshot websites from their search results, but many still appear. If you want to take control and get your photo removed from Google search results and social media, we know how difficult this process can be.
At Zeliff | Watson, our attorneys take direct action with these sites, using the law to have mugshots removed. We’ve helped countless clients regain peace of mind and protect their reputations, guiding them step by step through the entire removal process.
If you have been arrested in Georgia, your mugshot (booking photo), name, arrest date, and birth date might be on a public website. Some sites ask for money to take the photo down, but Georgia law says that is illegal.
Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 10-1-393.5), certain mugshot websites must remove your photo for free within 30 days after receiving a written request, as long as your case meets certain conditions.
What Are the Requirements for Mugshots to Be Removed?
- Your case was restricted or sealed under Georgia law, which means the records are legally limited or hidden from public view.
- The police closed your case without sending it to a prosecutor.
- The statute of limitations expired before you were charged, so you cannot be prosecuted.
- Your case was sent to a prosecutor but was later dismissed before trial.
- A grand jury refused to indict you twice, meaning they decided not to charge you after reviewing the evidence twice.
- All charges were dismissed or dropped after they were filed.
- You were convicted of a drug offense but successfully completed probation under Georgia’s First Offender law (Code § 16-13-2), which can treat your case as if you were not convicted.
- You were found not guilty at trial, meaning you were acquitted by a judge or jury.
Other circumstances may apply to your situation. To find out how the law applies in your case, schedule a free legal consultation online.
How to Request Mugshot Removal
To get your photo removed, send a written letter to the website. Include your full name, date of birth, date of arrest, and the name of the police department. Send the letter by certified mail with return receipt requested or by statutory overnight delivery to the company’s registered address.
The Georgia Justice Project offers a form you can fill out and mail.
Why Using a Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help with the Mugshot Removal Process
An attorney’s removal request on official letterhead sent by certified mail adds weight and urgency to mugshot sites. It shows the website, you know your rights, and you are serious about enforcing the law in your favor. This often leads to faster removal.
Certified mail also creates a formal record proving your request was received. This is important if the website ignores your request or breaks Georgia’s mugshot removal law. Having an attorney ready to take legal action is an advantage most people do not have.
If the website refuses to remove your photo within 30 days or tries to charge you, they are breaking Georgia’s Fair Business Practices Act (FBPA).
Understanding the Fair Business Practices Act (FBPA)
The FBPA protects consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices, such as false advertising or charging for services that should be free. Mugshot sites that keep your photo online or demand payment to remove it violate this law and should be reported to authorities. The Georgia Attorney General can take legal action against these companies, including fines up to $5,000 per violation and court orders to stop illegal behavior or pay restitution. You can also sue the mugshot site yourself after sending a removal request and waiting 30 days, filing a lawsuit with proof of your request and the company’s refusal. Before suing, you can file a complaint with the Georgia Attorney General’s Consumer Protection Division.
Why Does My Picture Still Appear Online After I Mailed My Request?
Search engines like Google often save temporary versions of images and web pages to help them load faster later. This process is called caching. It’s similar to snapping a photo of a book page so you can quickly reference it without reopening the book. Even if a mugshot website honors your request for removal, the old webpage and your photo might still appear in search results because Google’s cached copy remains stored. As a result, your photo can still show up in search results even after it has been taken down from the original site.
To remove this saved copy from Google, you may need to take an extra step after sending a certified letter to the mugshot site. This step is to request the removal of the outdated content from Google’s search results.
Here’s how:
- Make sure the mugshot site has removed or updated your info.
- Go to Google’s Remove Outdated Content tool and follow the instructions.
Other Frequently Asked Questions
Will my mugshot automatically disappear if charges are dismissed?
No. Mugshot websites will not remove it on their own. You must file a formal removal request and provide proof.
Do mugshot websites have to remove my photo?
Yes, if you qualify. Once you submit a proper written request with proof (such as a dismissal order or related), the site has 30 days to take it down.
What if the mugshot site ignores me?
You can take legal action. Under Georgia law, you may be entitled to damages and attorney’s fees if a site refuses to remove a mugshot after you qualify.
How long does mugshot removal take in Georgia?
Mugshot websites typically take 30 days or more after receiving a valid request, and Google or other search engines may take an additional 1–4 weeks or longer to update cached results once the image is removed. This is the time it takes for search engines to identify the change and update their search results.
Schedule a Free Legal Case Evaluation
No one should have to live with a permanent criminal record or mugshot casting a shadow over their future. In today’s world, the only real path forward is to invest in a skilled criminal defense attorney who can fight to have your charges dismissed or help you secure an acquittal through a judge or jury trial. The most effective way to begin restoring your reputation and getting your mugshot removed is by scheduling a free legal case evaluation with a trusted criminal defense law firm. Zeliff | Watson offers free, no-obligation consultations where you can speak directly with experienced attorneys, gain clarity on your legal options, and finally sleep better knowing your future is not ruined by a lingering mugshot on the Internet and a permanent criminal record.
A Simple Process to Getting Started
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