Mugshots are snapshots of a moment, often one that people would rather forget. They’re taken during the booking process and, in many cases, become part of public records. But with how the internet and Google work today, the question of who has the right to release or profit from these images is more complicated than ever.
Each U.S. state has its own rules, and internationally, the landscape looks even more diverse. Let’s take a look at how mugshot laws operate across the U.S. and what you can do to remove mugshots from Google. We’ll focus on some key states like California, Texas, New York, and Florida, with some international perspectives sprinkled in.
California Mugshots: Progressive But Not Perfect
In California, mugshots are considered public records under the California Public Records Act (CPRA). This means anyone can access them, even if the person photographed wasn’t convicted.
To combat exploitation, California enacted a law in 2014 making it illegal for websites to charge fees for mugshot removal. Violators can face fines and criminal penalties enforced by the California Department of Justice.
One high-profile case involved the owners of Mugshots.com, who were arrested and charged with extortion, identity theft, and money laundering.
They had been charging thousands of dollars to remove mugshots from their website, profiting off people’s reputational harm.
This crackdown sent a clear message, but challenges remain. Loopholes allow overseas-operated websites to continue publishing mugshots.
Texas Mugshots: Transparency With Limits
Texas law classifies mugshots as public records under the Texas Public Information Act. However, Senate Bill 509, introduced in 2023, adds protections. Mugshots can’t be released unless the individual is convicted or deemed a public safety threat. Civil penalties of up to $500 per day are levied on websites that ignore nondisclosure or expungement requests.
New York: Breaking New Ground
New York took a bold step in 2019, amending its Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) to prevent the routine release of mugshots. Exceptions exist for cases involving fugitives or public safety needs. This legislation was part of a broader effort to combat “mugshot extortion” and protect individuals from lasting reputational harm.
High-profile cases continue to test these rules. For instance, when President Donald Trump faced legal proceedings in New York, debates swirled around whether his mugshot should be released. Ultimately, the state’s mugshot ban meant his photo wasn’t published, a decision that fueled public discourse about privacy versus transparency.
Despite this progress, pre-2019 mugshots remain a problem and circulate online. Private websites, often based overseas, exploit these older images, bypassing the law’s intent.
Florida Mugshots: Open Access, Lingering Challenges
Florida’s Sunshine Laws make mugshots easily accessible. To address exploitation, Florida Statute 901.43 requires mugshot sites to remove images within 10 days of a free request.
Noncompliant sites can face lawsuits. This law was partly inspired by cases like Mugshots.com, whose owners were also charged in Florida for their exploitative practices.
Despite these protections, enforcement remains inconsistent. Many websites ignore these rules or base operations overseas, where Florida’s jurisdiction doesn’t reach.
High-profile cases, like the arrest of NFL players, often see mugshots widely circulated before charges are resolved, highlighting the ongoing challenges in balancing public access with individual rights.
A Broader Look Across the U.S.
In states like Georgia, websites must remove mugshots upon request without charging a fee. Illinois goes a step further, prohibiting the commercial use of mugshots entirely. Meanwhile, states like Kentucky and Utah only release mugshots for convicted individuals or public safety cases.
On the federal level, the Privacy Act of 1974 restricts personal information disclosure by federal agencies but doesn’t cover state or local entities. The lack of cohesive national legislation leaves a lot of gaps, and victims.
International Mugshot Laws
Outside the U.S., privacy protections tend to be stronger.
- Canada: The Privacy Act and PIPEDA (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act) ensure mugshots are only released for public safety purposes.
- United Kingdom: Mugshots are rarely made public unless necessary for locating a suspect. Individuals can request data removal under GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation).
- Australia: Rules vary by state. The Privacy Act 1988 provides some protection, but mugshots are public in certain jurisdictions.
- New Zealand: The Privacy Act 2020 restricts mugshot release unless it’s for a compelling law enforcement reason. Citizens can request data removal.
What Can You Do If Your Mugshot Is Online?
The internet is relentless, but you’re not powerless.
Start by identifying where your mugshot appears. Use private browsing to avoid personalized results. Once you’ve located the image, contact the hosting site. Provide proof of dismissed charges or expungement, many websites will comply with formal requests.
If direct removal isn’t possible, suppress the mugshot’s visibility. Publishing positive content can push negative search results off the first page of Google.
Why It Matters
Mugshots don’t just capture a moment. They can define your future. Employers, landlords, and even friends can stumble across them, often without context. With over 85% of employers Googling candidates, a mugshot can mean the difference between getting hired or passed over.
Every state and country handles mugshots differently, but one thing is clear: the fight for privacy is ongoing. Understanding the laws where you live and taking swift action are the best ways to protect your reputation.
Your past doesn’t have to dictate your future. Know your rights. Take control. Reclaim your story.
Take action today. Contact Reputation Riot for expert support and start taking control of your online presence.
Last updated on July 28, 2026
