How a Mugshot Can Unintentionally Label You as a High-Risk Tenant, Employee, or Partner

March 10, 2025

Mugshots can have a lasting effect on a person’s life, shaping public perception in ways they never intended. More than just photos taken at the time of an arrest, these images surface in background checks, affecting employment, housing applications, and personal relationships. With online databases making this information widely accessible, individuals often struggle to move forward.

What Is a Mugshot?

A mugshot is a police photograph taken after an arrest. It includes front-facing and profile headshots and becomes part of the public record in many states. Prosecutors, law enforcement agencies, and background check companies use these images to document criminal cases.

In recent years, landlords and tenant screening services have started incorporating mugshot photos and videos into background reports. This practice raises concerns about fairness, particularly for individuals admitted to diversion programs or those never convicted of a crime.

How Mugshots Appear in Background Checks

Mugshots frequently appear in background checks conducted by landlords, employers, and financial institutions. These reports pull information from public databases and compile records that include arrests, evictions, and credit history.

In states like California, landlords must follow fair housing laws. However, automated screening systems often flag applicants with an arrest record, regardless of the case’s outcome. This practice disproportionately affects victims of wrongful arrests who never faced charges or had their records sealed.

Types of Background Checks That Include Mugshots

Different background check services use mugshots in various ways. Some of the most common types include:

• Criminal Background Checks – Employers, landlords, and law enforcement use these checks to verify arrests, convictions, and court outcomes.
• Tenant Screening Reports – These reports include eviction history, police records, and mugshots, influencing rental decisions.
• Employment Background Checks – Many employers assess arrest records and mugshots as part of the hiring process.
• Financial Background Checks – Banks and lenders review criminal records and credit history when approving loans or credit.

How Long Do Mugshots Stay in Background Checks?

The length of time mugshots remain in background checks varies by state. Some states restrict access to records after seven to ten years, while others impose no time limit. In California, individuals can petition to remove certain arrest records, but the process requires legal action.

Many background check companies continue using outdated data, causing records to appear long after they should have been removed. This practice raises concerns about fairness, especially for individuals never convicted of a crime.

Consequences of Having a Mugshot Online

A publicly available mugshot can create long-term obstacles in various areas of life. Even when charges are dismissed, an arrest photo can affect:

Employment Opportunities

Many employers conduct background checks that include mugshots. If an applicant’s arrest photo appears, hiring managers may automatically disqualify them. Some states have Fair Chance Hiring laws that restrict how employers use mugshots, but enforcement remains inconsistent.

Housing and Rental Applications

Landlords and property managers frequently use background check apps that include mugshot photos. This process often leads to unfair rental denials, particularly in states without strong tenant protections. Victims of wrongful arrests may struggle to find housing even when they have no criminal record.

Personal and Social Consequences

A mugshot can affect personal relationships, leading to stigma and judgment. Friends, family members, and potential romantic partners may form negative opinions based on an arrest photo alone. In some cases, victims of past mistakes struggle to rebuild trust, even when they have changed their lives.

Harassment and Discrimination

Public mugshots can expose individuals to harassment. Some states have restricted the use of mugshots for profit, but many websites continue publishing them. Without consistent regulations, individuals often struggle to regain control of their online presence.

Can You Remove a Mugshot from the Internet?

Removing a mugshot depends on the state, the website hosting the image, and the legal standing of the case. In most cases, individuals must take multiple steps to get their photos removed.

Contact the Website Hosting the Mugshot

Many websites accept removal requests, especially if individuals provide an order of expungement or dismissal. However, some sites charge fees, making it difficult for low-income individuals to clear their records.

Hire a Reputation Management Company

Hiring a reputation management company can help those struggling with mugshot removal. These services specialize in pushing negative search results lower on Google and working with hosting sites to remove content. While this approach requires financial investment, it offers long-term solutions.

Seek Legal Action

In some instances, legal action may be necessary to remove a mugshot. Some states have passed laws that limit mugshot publication for profit, while others require websites to remove outdated records. Consulting an attorney can help individuals determine their best legal options.

Protecting Yourself from Mugshot Websites

Proactively managing your online presence can help prevent issues with mugshot websites. Start by monitoring your digital footprint—set up Google Alerts for your name and conduct regular searches. Understanding your legal rights is also essential, as state laws vary on mugshot publication and removal. Some websites offer opt-out options, allowing individuals to request removal directly. In cases where mugshot removal is difficult, reputation management services may help suppress negative search results. Taking these steps early can limit long-term damage and improve your chances of controlling how your information appears online.

Final Thoughts

Mugshots can have lasting consequences, affecting employment, housing, and personal relationships. Understanding how these photos appear in background checks and knowing your rights is essential for protecting your future. Whether you are dealing with a past arrest or safeguarding your online reputation, taking action early makes a difference.

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