Got a mugshot showing up in search results? You’re not alone, and you’re probably wondering how much it’ll cost to get it removed. The answer? It depends on how you go about it. Here’s a quick breakdown of your options and what they might set you back.
The good news? You can take steps to remove or suppress these results. Here’s how to get your expunged record removed from Google.
1. Paying the Mugshot Site Directly
Some sites will remove a mugshot if you pay them. Prices vary wildly, anywhere from $200 to $1,000+ per image. But here’s the catch:
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It’s a shady model (some states have banned it)
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Paying one site won’t remove duplicates elsewhere
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There’s no guarantee the image won’t resurface later
If you go this route, choose a reputable service that can track and remove duplicates across platforms.
What to Do If a Site Is Extortionate
Some mugshot sites cross the line into outright extortion, charging sky-high fees, threatening reposts, or demanding recurring payments to “keep the image down.” That’s not just unethical. It might be illegal.
You can use this form to report sites with extortionate removal policies to Google. It won’t remove the page entirely but it can get it removed from Google and mitigate most of the harm.
After that:
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If the site’s demanding thousands or using threats, report it to the FTC and your state attorney general.
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Never send money before verifying the site’s legitimacy.
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In extreme cases, consult a lawyer or a removal specialist. This is where legal pressure or coordinated takedowns can work.
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Cost: Varies, but avoid paying unless you know the outcome is secure.
2. Pushing It Down in Google Results (Suppression)
If removal isn’t possible, suppression is your next best move. This means burying the mugshot under newer, more positive content so it’s harder to find.
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Professional suppression services usually cost $500 to $3,000+, depending on how many results you need to push down and how aggressive the strategy is.
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It’s not instant, but it’s effective, and safer than paying mugshot sites.
3. Getting the Record Expunged
If your arrest was minor or the case was dismissed, you might qualify for expungement.
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Legal fees for expungement typically range from $500 to $2,000.
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Once expunged, you can request the mugshot be removed based on the updated record.
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This won’t automatically delete search results, but it helps build your case for removal or suppression.
4. Just Asking for It to Be Taken Down
Believe it or not, you can try the polite route.
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Reach out to the site directly and ask for removal, especially if the case was dropped or dismissed.
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Some will agree, for free. Others won’t respond.
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Cost: $0, but don’t expect results unless you have legal use.
5. Suing the Website
If the mugshot is false, defamatory, or causing measurable harm, you might have grounds to sue.
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A defamation lawsuit can cost $3,000 to $10,000+ and take months to resolve.
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It’s a strong option in extreme cases but comes with risks and no guaranteed win.
6. Using Copyright to Force Removal
If you took the photo (unlikely) or you can prove ownership of the image, you may be able to issue a copyright takedown.
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Filing a DMCA complaint with Google is free.
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Hiring a professional to help with a copyright claim typically costs $200 to $1,000, depending on the situation.
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Works best if the image was posted without proper rights.
Mugshot removal can cost anywhere from $0 to $10,000+, depending on the method. But here’s the truth: the longer it stays online, the more damage it can do. Whether you choose removal, suppression, or legal action, it pays to act fast.
Need help? Reputation Riot offers fast, confidential mugshot removal and suppression strategies that work. Contact us today for a free quote.
Last updated on July 28, 2026
