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Table Of Content
Understanding Mugshot Publication in Colorado
In Colorado, arrest records and booking photos—commonly known as mugshots—are considered public records. This means they can be accessed by third-party websites, news outlets, and search engines unless sealed or removed through a formal process.
Why Mugshots Remain Online
- Public record status makes them accessible through government and sheriff department databases.
- Mugshot websites aggregate data from county jails.
- Search engines index and display mugshots in image and name-based queries.
“Even if charges were dropped or expunged, your mugshot may still appear online, damaging your reputation long after the case is closed.”
Colorado Laws on Mugshot Removal
In 2014, Colorado enacted House Bill 14-1047 to address the mugshot exploitation industry. The law:
- Prohibits charging a fee for removal of booking photos
- Requires commercial websites to remove mugshots upon request in qualifying cases
Who Qualifies for Removal Under the Law?
- Individuals whose charges were dismissed
- Individuals found not guilty
- Individuals whose records were sealed or expunged
Required Action:
You must send a written request to the website hosting your mugshot. They have 10 days to remove it. If they don’t, they may face legal penalties.
Step-by-Step Guide to Mugshot Removal in Colorado
If your arrest record meets the criteria for removal, take these steps to get your mugshot taken down.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Check if your case was:
- Dismissed
- Resolved without conviction
- Sealed or expunged
Obtain legal documentation to support your request.
Step 2: Identify Mugshot Hosting Sites
Search your full name in quotes (e.g., “John Doe”) on Google and Bing. Look for:
Step 3: Send a Written Removal Request
Include:
- Your full name
- URL of the mugshot page
- Court documentation proving dismissal or sealing
- Statement citing Colorado HB 14-1047
Send via email and certified mail. Keep copies for legal protection.
Step 4: Report Noncompliance
If a site refuses to remove the image, file a complaint with:
- Colorado Attorney General’s Office: https://coag.gov/file-complaint/
You may also pursue legal action for monetary damages under state law.
How to Seal or Expunge Your Arrest Record in Colorado
If your case doesn’t yet qualify for mugshot removal, consider petitioning for record sealing.
Record Sealing Basics:
- Available for: Dismissed cases, not guilty verdicts, and certain qualifying misdemeanors and felonies.
- Not available for: Some violent crimes, DUIs, and sex-related offenses
Petition Process:
- Obtain court records
- Complete the correct sealing petition forms
- File the petition in the county of arrest
- Attend a hearing (if required)
- Await judge’s decision
For forms, visit the Colorado Judicial Branch Sealing Page
Once sealed, notify all websites and search engines with proof.
Alternatives When Legal Protections Don’t Apply
Even if you don’t qualify for legal removal, there are alternative strategies:
Suppression by SEO
- Publish positive content using your name
- Optimize LinkedIn and other profiles
- Create a personal blog or portfolio
- Use schema markup to improve visibility
Google De-indexing Requests
If a site violates Google’s content guidelines:
- Use the Google Removal Tool
Contact Hosting Providers
If a website posts mugshots with malicious intent or refuses removal requests, notify their hosting provider with evidence.
Why Mugshot Removal Matters for Your Reputation
A mugshot—even without a conviction—can:
- Damage your employment prospects
- Harm personal relationships
- Interfere with housing applications
- Create long-term reputational harm
Reputation management is more than optics—it’s protection of your rights, future, and freedom from discrimination.
“In a world where online searches are part of hiring, dating, and networking, a public mugshot creates an unfair and often inaccurate picture of who you are.”
How Defamation Defenders Can Help
Defamation Defenders specializes in Colorado mugshot removal, online record suppression, and search result repair.
Services Include:
- Filing and tracking removal requests
- Google de-indexing
- Aggressive SEO suppression
- Privacy protection consulting
Our legal and technical teams coordinate with attorneys, platforms, and courts to remove harmful images and restore your online profile.
📩 Contact us for a free mugshot removal consultation and take control of your narrative.
Real-World Success Stories
Case Study 1: Sealed Record, Stubborn Website
A Colorado resident had their assault charge dismissed and sealed. One website refused to comply. Our team filed a complaint with the AG and achieved removal plus compensation for statutory violations.
Case Study 2: False Arrest and News Coverage
A Denver man was arrested in a case of mistaken identity. Though charges were dropped, news articles and mugshots remained. We contacted media outlets and optimized positive search content, pushing harmful links off Page 1.
Case Study 3: Pre-Employment Mugshot Crisis
A woman in Colorado Springs discovered her old mugshot appearing during job background checks. We located seven sites hosting the photo and used a mix of legal notices and suppression to wipe them all from search results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes, in most cases. Mugshots are public records. However, charging for removal or refusing to remove legally disqualified records may violate Colorado law.
Yes. If your case was dismissed or sealed, you may request removal under Colorado HB 14-1047.
You may report them to the Colorado Attorney General and pursue legal damages.
Yes, once the original page is taken down. You can also request de-indexing through Google.
No. Most mugshot pages remain online indefinitely unless you take action.
Each case is handled individually. Repeat offenses may limit removal eligibility.
If your mugshot is haunting your search results, you’re not alone. Colorado residents have legal rights, practical tools, and professional support to clear their name and reclaim their reputation.
Whether you qualify under state law or need suppression strategies tailored to your case, Defamation Defenders can help you achieve real, lasting results.
📞 Speak with a removal specialist today and learn how we can assist you.
MLA Citations:
- “House Bill 14-1047.” Colorado General Assembly, https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/hb14-1047
- “Colorado Judicial Branch – Record Sealing Forms.” Colorado Judicial Department, https://www.courts.state.co.us/Forms/Forms_List.cfm?Form_Type_ID=110
- “Colorado Attorney General Consumer Protection Division.” COAG, https://coag.gov/file-complaint/
- “Public Records and Mugshots Law in Colorado.” Colorado Freedom of Information Coalition, https://coloradofoic.org/
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