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Table Of Content
Why Mugshots Appear Online
When someone is arrested in North Carolina, the arrest record—including the mugshot—is often considered public record. This data is accessible by:
- County and state agencies
- News media
- Third-party “mugshot” websites
- Background check aggregators
These websites scrape public databases and monetize the records, sometimes charging fees for removal.
The Legal Status of Mugshots in North Carolina
Are Mugshots Public Record in NC?
Yes, under North Carolina Public Records Law (N.C.G.S. § 132-1), mugshots and arrest records are classified as public unless sealed by court order.
However, public record status does not mean permanent online publication is legal, especially when used maliciously or for profit.
The Impact of Online Mugshots
Having your mugshot online can be devastating:
- Employment discrimination
- Housing denials
- Loss of relationships or trust
- Reputational harm on Google searches
The damage often continues long after legal proceedings end, particularly if your charges were dropped or you were never convicted.
When Are You Eligible for Mugshot Removal in North Carolina?
You may have legal grounds to request mugshot removal if:
- Your charges were dismissed
- You were found not guilty
- Your record was expunged or sealed
- The mugshot was used maliciously
- The website requested payment for removal, which could violate state unfair business practice laws
North Carolina Laws Supporting Mugshot Removal
While North Carolina doesn’t yet have a specific “mugshot law” like Georgia or California, you may use related protections:
1. Expungement Laws (N.C.G.S. § 15A-145)
Once your record is expunged, you can legally request removal of the associated mugshot from public and private sources.
2. Right to Be Forgotten (as an emerging legal concept)
Although not codified in U.S. law, some NC courts recognize reputational privacy as grounds for removal in civil claims.
3. Tort Claims: Invasion of Privacy & Misappropriation
If your photo is being used for profit without consent, a privacy tort could apply.
4. Unfair and Deceptive Trade Practices Act (UDTPA)
If a website demands payment to remove your mugshot, they could be violating this consumer protection law.
📌 Learn more: North Carolina General Statutes
How to Remove a Mugshot from NC Law Enforcement Websites
Start by identifying where your mugshot appears:
Step 1: Check County Sheriff Websites
Most counties publish recent arrests and booking photos. Examples include:
Step 2: Contact the Sheriff’s Office
If your case was dismissed or expunged:
- Submit a written request with supporting documentation
- Include your case number, date of arrest, and legal outcome
- Ask that your arrest record and mugshot be removed
Step 3: Follow Up
Some agencies do not proactively update or remove records. Persistence is key.
How to Remove Your Mugshot from Third-Party Websites
Common mugshot sites targeting North Carolina arrests include:
- mugshots.com
- bustednewspaper.com
- arrests.org.
- recentlybooked.com
Step-by-Step Takedown Process:
1. Document Everything
- Screenshot the offending page
- Record the date and URL
- Note if payment is requested for removal
2. Submit a Formal Request
Some websites include removal forms. Be honest and clear in your request.
3. Send a Cease-and-Desist Letter
If the site refuses to remove the photo or demands money, send a legal notice citing North Carolina law and unfair trade practice statutes.
4. Report to Google
Use Google’s Remove Outdated Content tool to de-index pages no longer valid or misleading.
What to Do If the Mugshot Is on Google Images
Removing the source isn’t always enough. You may need to:
- Request the image URL be removed via Google’s Content Removal Tool
- Use the Right to be Forgotten (if applicable abroad) for international domains
The Role of Expungement in Mugshot Removal
What Is Expungement?
It’s a legal process that seals or erases criminal records, including associated images like mugshots.
How to File for Expungement in NC:
- Determine eligibility under N.C.G.S. § 15A-145
- File a petition in the county of arrest
- Work with an attorney or legal aid for assistance
🔎 Find more info via NC Courts – Expunction Process
Once granted, you can demand complete removal of your arrest record from government databases and many third-party sites.
Can You Sue for Having Your Mugshot Online?
Yes—especially if the content is:
- False or misleading
- Used for extortionate purposes (charging for removal)
- Causing documented reputational or financial harm
A lawsuit might include claims of:
- Defamation
- Invasion of privacy
- Intentional infliction of emotional distress
- Violation of state consumer protection laws
Working with a Mugshot Removal Expert
Removing your mugshot can be frustrating, time-consuming, and legally complex.
A service like Defamation Defenders offers:
- Takedown strategies for both law enforcement and private sites
- SEO suppression to bury unwanted content in search results
- Monitoring tools to catch new reposts
- Legal referrals if further action is needed
SEO Suppression: Burying Mugshots from Search Results
When removal fails, suppression becomes your best tool.
Effective SEO Suppression Tactics:
- Create and optimize positive content on high-authority domains
- Use press releases, blog posts, and directories
- Link and promote positive results using ethical backlinking strategies
- Maintain your Google Business Profile, LinkedIn, and personal website
Consistent SEO work helps push mugshot results beyond page one—where 90% of users never click.
Legal Alternatives to Mugshot Removal
- File a complaint with the North Carolina Attorney General
Submit a complaint regarding unfair trade practices. - Report to the Federal Trade Commission
Especially if payment is requested for mugshot removal: FTC Report Form - Contact Google Legal Support
If content violates their terms or court orders, they may de-index it: Google Legal Help
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but charging for removal may violate laws and ethical standards.
Indefinitely unless removed manually or suppressed through SEO.
You have stronger legal grounds to demand removal—especially with expungement.
Not automatically. You’ll still need to contact sites and submit proof.
Yes, unless removed. Many background checks rely on public-facing online info.
