Mugshots are the pictures taken by police during the process of booking after an arrest. These images are meant to be used for identification purposes in criminal proceedings. However, websites that accumulate mugshots and post them online have become quite popular these days. Sometimes, these sites even make money by charging people to remove their pictures from their databases. If you or someone you know has a mugshot posted online, it can be both embarrassing and harmful. In this blog, we will try to understand the basics of mugshot removal services.
First and foremost, it is essential to understand that mugshots fall under public records laws. They are freely accessible by the public if they are requested through the proper channels. Moreover, police departments may also post them on the internet in an effort to inform the public. Websites can upload these mugshots and use them for commercial use, and making money by charging people to remove their pictures.
To get a mugshot removed, the first step is to find out if the website exists. You can do this by searching for your name in search engines, including Google and Bing, to see if any websites have your image. If you find that your photo is available on multiple websites, it becomes necessary to figure out which one posted it first. Once you have identified the site, you can visit the contact section and request the removal.
It is crucial to note that not all sites will remove your mugshot immediately. Some may ask you for credentials and fees, such as court documents verifying the case resolution and conviction. In contrast, others may take weeks or months to remove the image. Moreover, some websites might require you to engage a Mugshot removal company that has experience in contacting them to get the picture removed swiftly. These companies know the right channels to go through and can work efficiently to remove your mugshot.
If the mugshot got posted shortly after your arrest, your chances of removal might be higher. The website’s motivation to earn money from your data decreases with time, and they may eventually remove it. However, some sites may even repost the mugshot after it has been removed, making the removal process tedious.
It is essential to be wary of websites that sound like they can remove your mugshot for a small fee instantly. These are likely scams, and you will lose your money with no change in the removal status. Instead, look for Mugshot removal companies that have a website presence, and their reputation speaks volumes on how reliable and effective they are.
Conclusion:
To conclude, mugshots are photos taken at the arrest time, available as public records, so they are free to access. Mugshot posting websites emerged in recent years, and they upload these photos to make money from those wishing to have them removed. Finding out which site posted the picture and contacting them to request a removal is the first step, but it is essential to note there are no guaranteed ways of having them removed completely. Therefore, it is best to hire a reputable mugshot removal company if the picture’s removal is a priority. Remember, mugshot removal companies with a good reputation and reviews will navigate the situation and get the job done effectively and timely.
