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If you or a loved one are dealing with a mugshot or arrest record displayed online, understanding North Carolina’s mugshot laws and the removal process can help you regain control over your privacy. This guide explains how to remove arrest records and mugshots from North Carolina-specific websites and search engines like Google, while outlining legal avenues to protect your online reputation.
In North Carolina, mugshots and arrest records are considered public information, which makes them accessible through various law enforcement agencies and third-party websites. However, certain legal pathways exist for removing this sensitive information, especially if charges have been dismissed or expunged.
North Carolina law allows individuals with expunged records to request the removal of associated mugshots from both government and private databases. For those without an expungement, it may still be possible to request removal directly from websites that host the information. It's important to consult a legal professional to determine if your case qualifies for expungement under state law.
For more detailed information about expungement in North Carolina, you can visit the North Carolina Judicial Branch.
Numerous mugshot websites and news outlets in North Carolina regularly publish arrest records and photos for public viewing. To remove your mugshot from public view, you can take the following steps:
Request Removal from Mugshot Websites: Contact the specific website hosting your mugshot to request removal. Websites such as Busted Newspaper or NorthCarolina.Arrests.org may offer free or paid removal services.
Seek Expungement of Arrest Records: If your case qualifies for expungement under North Carolina law, you can petition the court to have your arrest record removed. Once the court grants an expungement, provide a copy of the court order to websites and request the removal of your mugshot. For more details on expungement, check out this resource from Mecklenburg County's Expunction Program.
Contact Search Engines: Even after a website removes your mugshot, it may still appear in search engine results. You can submit a removal request to Google or Bing.
Hire a Reputation Management Service: If you face difficulties with the removal process, a professional reputation management company can assist with getting your mugshot removed from the internet. Services like Defamation Defenders, Remove-Arrests.org, RemoveYourMugshot.com and RemoveOnlineInformation.com specialize in mugshot removal.
Many websites collect and publish North Carolina arrest information from county sheriff’s offices, jails, and other law enforcement agencies. Below are some of the most popular websites where people can search for North Carolina mugshots and arrest records for free:
BustedNewspaper North Carolina: A statewide publication that covers mugshots and arrest records from various counties.
BustedInWakeCounty.com: Website covering Raleigh and Wake County, North Carolina.
MecklenburgPublicRecords.com: Public records, including mugshots, from Mecklenburg County, NC.
NorthCarolina.Arrests.org: A widely known arrest record database that publishes mugshots and related information.
WakeCountyNCMugshots.com: Mugshot database for recent arrests in Wake County, NC.
WakePublicRecords.com: Provides public records and arrest records for Wake County.
WCCBCharlotte.com: A news outlet in Charlotte that often features arrest reports and mugshots.
In North Carolina, many sheriff's offices and law enforcement agencies publish arrest information and mugshots online. Below are some of the key reporting agencies:
These agencies typically provide free access to arrest records and mugshots on their websites. However, the availability of mugshots may vary depending on the agency and the type of case.
If your mugshot was published without proper authorization, or if your case has been dismissed, there may be legal grounds for removal. In North Carolina, two primary legal options are available:
Expungement of Records: If you qualify, you can petition the court for expungement. Once your record is expunged, you can request that websites and databases remove your mugshot. Learn more about how to expunge records in North Carolina.
Defamation or Invasion of Privacy Claims: If a website refuses to remove your mugshot and you believe it has damaged your reputation, you may consider filing a defamation or invasion of privacy lawsuit. Consulting with an attorney experienced in North Carolina defamation law is advisable.
Q: Can I remove my mugshot from a North Carolina website for free?
A: Some websites allow free removal requests, while others charge a fee. Check the removal policies of individual websites for details.
Q: How long does it take to remove a mugshot from North Carolina websites?
A: The time frame for removal varies by website. Some requests are processed within days, while others may take weeks, especially if an expungement order is involved.
Q: Can I remove my mugshot if my case was dismissed in North Carolina?
A: Yes, if your case was dismissed, you may qualify for an expungement, which would allow you to request mugshot removal. Visit NC Judicial Branch Expungement Information for more details.
Q: Can law enforcement agencies in North Carolina remove my mugshot?
A: Law enforcement agencies do not typically remove arrest records or mugshots unless you provide a court order for expungement.
Q: Does removing my mugshot from a website guarantee it won’t show up in search engines?
A: Not necessarily. Even after a mugshot is removed from a website, it may still appear in search engine results. You will need to request de-indexing from Google or Bing.
By taking these steps and understanding your legal rights, you can regain control over your digital presence and minimize the visibility of your arrest records online. Consider exploring additional resources or seeking help from professionals if you encounter difficulties in removing your mugshot.
If you would like to speak with professional internet records removal specialist about getting North Carolina mugshots or arrest information removed from a website, social media, or internet search engines, simply fill out the contact form below and a representative will get back to you within 1 working day.