How to Remove Information from Justia

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Justia.com is a legal directory and case law repository that publishes public court records, attorney profiles, and legal information indexed by search engines like Google. While its purpose is to promote transparency and legal access, the exposure of personal data—such as your name, case number, or involvement in a lawsuit—can have unintended consequences.

If you’ve searched your name and found outdated or sensitive court records published on Justia, you’re not alone. The good news is that Justia removal is possible under certain conditions. This guide explains exactly how to remove information from Justia, when removal is legally viable, and what to do if the data can’t be taken down.

Why Your Information Is on Justia

Before you act, understand how and why Justia republishes legal data:

• Public Record Aggregation: Justia pulls case data from state and federal court databases.
• Automated Indexing: Their platform indexes filings, opinions, and case details that are publicly accessible.
• Search Engine Visibility: These records are optimized to rank in Google, often appearing high in searches for individual names.

“Even if the case is dismissed, sealed later, or resolved, it can still show up in search results unless manually removed.” — Electronic Frontier Foundation

The Risks of Justia Listings

While public records are lawful, their visibility online creates risks:

• Reputation Damage: Employers, clients, or peers may judge you based on the existence of any legal action—even if you were the plaintiff or won.
• Privacy Concerns: Full names, case numbers, and jurisdictional details are often listed.
• Inaccuracies: In some cases, outdated or incorrect information persists long after case resolution.

Is Justia Removal Legal?

Yes, under certain conditions. Justia publishes content legally, but they often comply with takedown requests based on:

• Expunged, sealed, or dismissed cases
• Erroneous or outdated public records
• Violations of personal privacy laws (e.g., California Consumer Privacy Act)

They may remove or deindex content voluntarily or when compelled by a legal order.

Step-by-Step: How to Request Removal from Justia

Step 1: Locate the Specific URL

Search your name on Justia and note the direct URL of the case or profile page that contains your information.

Example:

https://law.justia.com/cases/state/court-of-appeals/2020/xx-123.html

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Prepare supporting documentation such as:

• Court order sealing or expunging the record
• Case dismissal notice
• Proof of identity

Step 3: Contact Justia

Send a formal request to Justia’s support team via:

• Email: [email protected]
• Contact Form: Justia Contact Page

Include:

• The specific URL
• Reason for removal
• Legal documentation if applicable
• A clear subject line like “Request for Record Removal – Expunged Case”

Step 4: Request Deindexing (If Content Can’t Be Removed)

If Justia refuses to remove the page, ask them to block search engine indexing using a noindex meta tag. This won’t delete the content but can prevent it from appearing in Google search.

Alternatives If Justia Refuses Removal

If your removal request is denied:

• Contact the original court to see if the case can be sealed or expunged retroactively.
• Use Google’s Removal Tools: If sensitive data like SSNs or home addresses appear, request removal via Google’s content removal tool.
• Bury the result: Launch SEO-optimized pages to outrank the Justia listing in search.

This is where Defamation Defenders provides real value.

How Defamation Defenders Can Help

Defamation Defenders specializes in:

• Removing unwanted case listings from sites like Justia
• Suppressing negative or outdated legal content
• Creating optimized content that outranks harmful pages
• Monitoring your online footprint and alerting you to new appearances

With legal insight and advanced reputation tools, our team navigates complex content removals and suppression campaigns on your behalf.

Request your free online record removal review now

Proactive Ways to Safeguard Your Information

Stay ahead of data exposure with these proactive tips:

• Google Yourself Weekly: Use incognito mode to track what others see.
• Set Up Google Alerts: Monitor mentions of your name or business.
• Register Your Name as a Domain: This gives you control of branded search results.
• Build a Web Presence:
  • Publish articles on Medium or LinkedIn
  • Create a personal website
  • Claim your profile on legal directories and request edits

Legal Grounds for Justia Removal

When You Can Legally Request Removal:

• The case has been sealed or expunged by court order
• The listing violates local or federal privacy laws
• The case was published in error or contains factual inaccuracies
• The record causes demonstrable harm (defamation, harassment, etc.)

Applicable Privacy Laws:

• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA)
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• New York SHIELD Act

These may provide leverage for removal even if the content is legally public.

What Justia Typically Will Not Remove

• Lawful public records that are current and unsealed
• Basic attorney listings (though they can be edited)
• Court opinions published in appellate decisions

H3: Justia Removal Timeline

Sample Takedown Request Email

Subject: Request for Removal of Expunged Record from Justia

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to request removal of a case listing currently available on your website. The case in question has been officially expunged/sealed by [Court Name] under docket number [XXX].

Here is the URL: [Paste URL Here]

Attached is a copy of the court order. Please let me know if additional verification is needed. Thank you for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
[Full Name]
[Email Address]

FAQ: Justia Removal Explained