Mugshots are photographic portraits taken of suspects soon after they are arrested. In many states, they are considered public records and are available to the public under the Freedom of Information Act. People who have been wrongfully accused may find their mugshots posted online forever, hurting their chances of employment, housing, and more. However, it’s not easy to get these photos removed.
Public Records
A public record is any document filed or maintained by a city, county, state or federal government agency that is viewable to the general public. This includes court cases, criminal records, licenses, property information and reports on publicly traded companies. Some states have freedom of information laws that entitle the public to access these records without cost. However, some states have exemptions or require a reproduction fee.
If you are searching for a mugshot lookup, the most convenient way is to go to your local police station and request a copy of the arrestee’s record. This will allow you to see their name and the dates they were arrested. You can also find public records on jail rosters, newspapers and private sites that collect information from individual law enforcement agencies and make it available online. This is an easier way for people to search for their loved ones, but it is a little bit time-consuming and requires you to do some research.
Offender Databases
offender databases are a resource for law enforcement officers and the general public. They are usually available through local police departments, but may also be accessed remotely via the Internet. Many states require offenders to register in their local databases after conviction. These registries can cause serious damage to people’s reputations and affect their lives in a variety of ways.
Often, people who are registered in these registries are excluded from employment and other opportunities. They may not be able to rent or buy a home, and they will be subjected to harassment and other negative consequences. In addition, family members of offenders can face negative consequences as well. Residency restrictions can make it harder for spouses and children of offenders to find housing, which can lead to financial hardship.
Commercial Websites
Mugshots are photos taken by police departments or the FBI after someone has been arrested. They usually include a front and profile picture of the person and a placard that tells their name, booking ID, height, weight and date of birth. Mug shots are a public record and can be retrieved by the public on commercial websites. However, mugshot lookups often require payment.
Some commercial websites remove mugshots free of charge, if the person can prove that their charges were dropped or they were found not guilty. Others charge a fee regardless of case disposition. Some states ban mugshot websites from charging removal fees, and credit card companies have cut ties with them. Still, these sites are a problem. Many people whose mugshots appear on these sites are unhappy.
Legal Issues
Mugshot lookup can be very damaging to a person’s reputation and personal life. It can also have a negative impact on their job prospects, education, housing options, and career advancement. Often, when people get arrested, their mugshots appear online in search engines, even years after the incident. This can be embarrassing for the person who was arrested, and it can affect their personal relationships.
However, mugshots are public records and are not to publish on the Internet. The only exception is if they are posted for a commercial purpose, such as a mugshot website.
In recent years, a number of mugshot websites have emerged. These websites are run by private companies who make money from advertising. They also charge a fee to remove someone’s mugshot from their website.