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Can You Remove a Mugshot for Someone Who Has Passed Away?
April 9, 2025
Table of Contents
Mugshots are a permanent part of the internet for many—even after someone has passed away. These photographs, originally used to identify individuals after an arrest, are often published on mugshot websites and data broker sites that make arrest records publicly searchable.
This can be devastating for surviving family members. A loved one’s criminal records may show up in Google search results long after they’ve been laid to rest. In most cases, the image appears with little context, leaving the impression that the person was found guilty, even if charges were dropped or expunged.
Why Would a Family Want a Mugshot Removed After Death?
There are several reasons why someone might want a mugshot removed after a person’s death, and they go far beyond reputation. The image often affects search engine results, employment prospects, and even personal relationships for surviving family members.
1. Respecting the Person’s Memory
The person behind the mugshot was more than a moment in time. But when arrest information continues to appear at the top of search results, it can unfairly shape public perception. Published arrest records may become the first thing users see when they search for someone’s name on Google, even if that record is outdated or misleading.
2. Reducing Online Distress for Family Members
Grief is complicated enough. Seeing a mugshot appear on a site without consent can cause ongoing emotional pain. It’s challenging if others find the image through online platforms, bringing unwanted attention to the family.
In some legal cases, families may also face harassment, doxing, or security risks. Some mugshot websites are known to profit from public records by charging a fee to remove the content, adding to the distress.
3. Preventing Identity Theft or Exploitation
Once data is published online, it’s easy to copy, download, or misuse. Data broker sites collect and republish personal information across multiple platforms, often without verifying accuracy. That can put surviving loved ones at risk—mainly if the mugshot includes identifying details like birthdates or locations.
Is Mugshot Removal for Deceased People Legal?
Yes, in most states, it is possible to request mugshot removal for a deceased person. However, the removal process can involve several steps and may depend on the platform, the state’s public records laws, and the nature of the arrest.
For example, certain arrest records can be sealed or expunged in California if no conviction occurred. However, even in those cases, websites that profit from mugshots may not automatically remove them.
You may need:
- A death certificate
- Proof of relationship (such as being a legal representative or next of kin)
- A formal removal request addressed to the site owner
- In some cases, a court order
How to Submit a Mugshot Removal Request
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the mugshot removal process if you’re acting on behalf of a deceased individual:
- Identify where the mugshot appears. Use a search engine like Google to locate all appearances across mugshot websites, data brokers, and other online platforms.
- Gather documentation. This typically includes the person’s death certificate and legal documents proving your right to act on their behalf.
- Contact the site directly. Submit a formal removal request explaining your legal grounds and providing the necessary documents.
- Follow up. If the site refuses or doesn’t respond, you may need to escalate the request with a lawyer or file a complaint with your state’s Attorney General.
When Should You Hire a Reputation Management Company?
If the image appears on multiple websites or if the legal challenges seem too complex, many families turn to reputation management companies. These firms specialize in removing or suppressing damaging content in search engine results, working behind the scenes to restore a person’s online reputation.
Reputable companies will:
- Help file requests with site owners
- Monitor Google search results for reuploads
- Use SEO tactics to push down harmful pages
- Navigate state-specific laws and public records systems
While there may be a fee for these services, the peace of mind they provide in the long run can be well worth it.
Final Thoughts
Everyone deserves to be remembered for the life they lived, not for a moment captured in a photograph during a difficult time. Families deserve closure, not to be haunted by online pages that continue to resurface during searches.
With the right methods—from direct requests to hiring a reputation management service—you can take steps to remove harmful content and protect your loved one’s memory.
If you’re navigating this process and need support, consider speaking with a lawyer or a trusted removal service to clarify your best options. In the end, how someone is remembered online truly does matter.
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