Can You Remove Your Mugshot from Arrests.org? Here’s How

What is Arrests.org, and why are so many people searching for it? Have you ever Googled someone’s name and stumbled upon their mugshot? Are you wondering how this information ends up online and what can be done about it? These are just a few of the questions that lead thousands to visit Arrests.org every day. This website compiles arrest records and mugshots from public databases, making them easily accessible to the public. While it claims to provide transparency and promote public safety, many users view it as controversial due to privacy concerns and potential reputational damage.

Arrests.org has become a growing topic of interest as individuals face unexpected challenges when their past arrests—sometimes even dropped charges—appear prominently in search results. This visibility can lead to lost job opportunities, strained relationships, and emotional distress. Moreover, navigating the process to remove a mugshot or correct inaccurate information can be frustrating, complex, and expensive.

So, what can you do if your information appears on Arrests.org? Solutions range from legal approaches and reputation management services to state-level expungement processes. Understanding your rights and the steps to regain control of your online presence is essential in today’s digital world, where one arrest record can leave a lasting impact.

What Is Arrests.org?

Arrests.org is a publicly accessible website that aggregates and publishes arrest records and mugshots from various law enforcement agencies across the United States. The site is designed to allow users to search for individuals who have been recently arrested, often by name, date, or location. It pulls information from public records and booking logs, which are typically maintained by county sheriffs’ offices, police departments, and state correctional agencies.

The site’s layout is straightforward: it displays mugshots, names, charges, and arrest dates, usually organized by state or county. While Arrests.org does not charge for access to its database, its presence in search engines can have lasting consequences for individuals listed—even if charges are later dropped or sealed.

The site’s stated goal is transparency and public safety, providing a way for the community to stay informed about recent arrests. However, critics argue that it exploits individuals’ legal troubles, often without context or resolution updates, and can cause reputational damage.

Unlike official government portals, Arrests.org does not always offer an easy process for corrections or removals, leading to concerns over privacy, fairness, and the long-term impact of publicly available mugshots online.

How Arrests.org Collects Information

Arrests.org collects information by aggregating publicly available arrest records and booking data from official sources across the United States. These sources typically include:

1. County Sheriff’s Offices and Police Departments

Local law enforcement agencies often maintain online booking logs or inmate databases that are updated daily. Arrests.org uses web scraping tools or automated scripts to extract data from these sources.

2. State Department of Corrections Websites

Some states publish detailed arrest, incarceration, and charge information through their corrections department portals. Arrests.org can pull records from these databases as well.

3. Public Records Databases

Under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and state-level public record laws, arrest data is considered public information. Arrests.org may request and access this data either manually or through third-party data brokers.

4. Automated Data Aggregation Tools

Arrests.org relies heavily on bots and crawlers to systematically gather new arrest data, mugshots, names, booking dates, charges, and arresting agencies. This allows for fast and consistent updates.

5. No User Submissions

Unlike social media or forums, Arrests.org does not rely on user-submitted information. All data is sourced from official records.

While the information is legally public, Arrests.org’s automated, mass collection and republication raises ethical questions—especially since it may not update or remove outdated or expunged records unless formally requested.

States Covered by Arrests.org

Arrests.org operates by compiling arrest records and mugshots from multiple U.S. states, but not every state is included. The site focuses on states where arrest information is easily accessible through public records or law enforcement websites. Coverage varies based on local transparency laws, data availability, and technical accessibility.

As of the latest information, Arrests.org covers the following states (subject to change):

✅ Commonly Covered States:

  • Florida
  • South Carolina
  • North Carolina
  • Texas
  • Georgia
  • Kentucky
  • Alabama
  • Missouri
  • Tennessee
  • Arizona
  • Colorado
  • Utah
  • Oregon
  • Nevada
  • Wisconsin

These states typically have centralized or county-level online booking logs that Arrests.org can crawl or collect from regularly.

⚠️ States with Partial or Inconsistent Coverage:

  • California
  • New York
  • Illinois
  • Ohio
  • Michigan

These states may have privacy restrictions, decentralized record systems, or legal protections that limit broad data scraping.

❌ States Often Not Covered:

  • New Jersey
  • Massachusetts
  • Hawaii
  • Rhode Island
  • Connecticut

In these states, laws or policies restrict public access to arrest records, making it difficult for sites like Arrests.org to obtain data.

📌 Note:

Coverage can expand or shrink depending on changes to state laws, lawsuits, or government data access policies. If you’re not sure whether your state is covered, a quick search on Arrests.org by state or county name will usually confirm it.

Arrests.org operates by collecting and publishing public records, which are legally accessible under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and similar state laws. Because arrest records are considered part of the public domain, websites can legally publish them—even if doing so creates personal and reputational harm.

Public Records and the First Amendment

The U.S. Constitution’s First Amendment protects the right to publish information, including public records. Courts have generally ruled in favor of transparency, allowing media outlets and private websites like Arrests.org to republish arrest data without prior consent.

Since arrest information is public, consent from the individual is not legally required. That means anyone’s mugshot can be published—even if they were never convicted or charges were dropped.

The Ethics vs. Legality Debate

While Arrests.org may be technically legal, many argue it’s ethically questionable. The site rarely provides full case outcomes or updates, and often profits from the visibility of sensitive content by encouraging paid removal through third-party services.

States Challenging Mugshot Websites

Some U.S. states, like California, Oregon, Georgia, and New York, have passed laws banning or restricting the commercial use of mugshots, particularly when money is exchanged for removal. In these states, Arrests.org may be limited or face legal risks.

Arrests.org has faced multiple lawsuits and legal complaints, including defamation and privacy violations. However, many are dismissed because the site uses public data and often includes disclaimers.

While Arrests.org is legal in most states, it operates in a gray area that’s increasingly under scrutiny. Anyone listed on the site may face real-life consequences, and the legality of the site doesn’t always protect it from public or legal backlash.

How to Find Someone on Arrests.org

Step 1: Visit the Official Website

Start by going to Arrests.org. The homepage typically displays a list of U.S. states. Each state listed is linked to a dedicated section containing recent arrest records from that area.

Step 2: Select a State

Click on the state where the person was arrested. This will direct you to that state’s page, which often includes recent mugshots sorted by county, date, or alphabetically by last name.

Most state pages include a search bar. Enter the person’s first and last name, and optionally filter by county or booking date to narrow the results.

Step 4: Browse Recent Arrests

If the person was arrested recently and you don’t know their full name, you can scroll through the latest mugshots to visually identify them. Some pages allow you to sort by date or offense.

Step 5: Review the Record

Click on a mugshot or name to open the individual’s arrest record. This typically includes:

  • Full name
  • Date of birth
  • Mugshot
  • Booking date
  • Charges
  • Arresting agency

Step 6: Check for Accuracy

Keep in mind that Arrests.org does not update records to reflect dropped charges, court outcomes, or expungements. Always verify information with the official county jail or court system for the most accurate and current status.

Bonus Tip: Use Caution

Just because someone appears on Arrests.org doesn’t mean they’re guilty. The site posts arrest data, not convictions, and that distinction is important when viewing or sharing this kind of information.

Why Is My Mugshot on Arrests.org

If you’ve discovered your mugshot on Arrests.org, you’re probably wondering how it got there—especially if your charges were minor, dismissed, or from years ago. Here’s why your photo might appear on the site:

1. Mugshots Are Public Records

When you’re arrested, your mugshot and booking details become part of the public record. Websites like Arrests.org legally access and publish this information without needing your consent.

2. Automated Data Collection

Arrests.org uses web crawlers to pull data from law enforcement websites that make arrest information publicly available. If your arrest was posted online by a police department or county jail, it may have been picked up automatically.

3. Dismissed Charges May Still Appear

Even if your case was later dropped or dismissed, the original arrest record can remain publicly available unless you’ve gone through legal steps to seal or expunge it.

4. Your Arrest Occurred in a Covered State

If you were arrested in a state like Florida, Texas, Georgia, or South Carolina—where arrest records are easy to access—your mugshot is more likely to be listed.

5. No Automatic Updates or Removals

Arrests.org typically does not update or remove records unless formally requested. It does not reflect court outcomes or expungements unless action is taken.

Can I Remove My Information from Arrests.org

Check for a Removal or Contact Page

Visit the specific state page on Arrests.org and look for a “Contact Us” or “Opt-Out” section. If available, it may provide a form or email address to request removal. Fill out the required information clearly and politely.

Hire a Mugshot Removal Service

There are professional services that specialize in removing arrest records and mugshots from public sites. They often charge a fee but may have experience working with Arrests.org. Always research the company thoroughly to avoid scams.

Expunge or Seal Your Record

If your charges were dismissed, dropped, or you qualify for expungement, you can petition the court to have your record sealed. Once approved, you can submit the court order to Arrests.org as proof and request removal.

Some states have passed laws against publishing mugshots for commercial purposes. If your state has such a law, you may be able to send a formal takedown notice citing the legal violation or hire an attorney to assist.

Suppress the Listing with SEO

If removal isn’t possible, you can publish positive content—such as social media profiles, blogs, or press releases—to outrank the Arrests.org page in search engines and reduce its visibility.

Understand the Broader Impact

Even if you remove your information from Arrests.org, it may still appear on other mugshot or arrest record websites. Consider a multi-site removal strategy or consult a reputation management professional if needed.

Is There a Cost to Remove Your Record?

Paying Directly to Arrests.org

Arrests.org typically does not charge a direct fee for removal, but they often require you to submit documents such as a government-issued ID, court dismissal, or expungement paperwork. Processing time for removal requests can range from 5 to 30 days depending on the state and circumstances.

Third‑Party Removal Services

Many individuals choose to hire professional mugshot removal or reputation management services. These companies usually charge between $200 and $600 per website, and the total cost can reach $1,000 or more if your information appears on multiple mugshot sites.

Why Fees Can Be High

Some removal services charge hundreds of dollars per record because they handle the communication, paperwork, and follow-up. The actual removal process may be simple, but the administrative effort and legal framing often justify the price.

State Laws May Eliminate Fees

Several states have passed laws that prohibit websites from charging fees for the removal of mugshots—especially when charges have been dropped, dismissed, or expunged. In these cases, sites are required to take down content at no cost upon valid request.

Alternatives to Paid Removal

If you do not want to pay for removal, you can:

  • Submit a free opt-out or removal request directly to Arrests.org.
  • Provide legal documentation such as a court order or expungement.
  • Reference applicable state laws that mandate free removal.
  • Use search engine optimization (SEO) strategies to bury the listing online.

Reddit and User Experiences

Some users report difficulties with removal forms or delayed responses, but persistence and legal pressure—especially in states with protective laws—often lead to success.

Final Verdict

Arrests.org is a widely known online platform that publishes arrest records and mugshots sourced from public databases across multiple U.S. states.

While the site operates legally under public record and First Amendment laws, its presence online raises serious concerns about privacy, reputation, and long-term personal impact. Whether you’ve found your own information or that of someone else, it’s important to understand how and why it appears there.

Many people are surprised to learn that even if charges are dropped or never lead to a conviction, arrest records and mugshots can still remain visible on Arrests.org indefinitely. This can affect employment, relationships, and mental well-being.

While removal is possible in some cases, the process often requires formal documentation, legal action, or the help of a third-party service. Fortunately, certain state laws now offer stronger protections and prohibit mugshot websites from charging removal fees under specific circumstances.

Ultimately, understanding how Arrests.org works empowers you to make informed decisions. Whether your goal is removal, suppression, or simply learning about the system, knowing your rights—and the limits of public record use—is the first step toward protecting your online reputation and privacy in today’s digital world.