Texas Mugshot Removal: Everything You Need to Know

How to Find Texas Mugshots

Mugshots are often published online by law enforcement agencies and private websites. Here are the primary ways to locate mugshots in Texas:

1. County Jail Websites: Many county sheriff’s offices, such as Harris County or Dallas County, provide online inmate search tools where mugshots are publicly available.

2. Third-Party Websites: Websites specializing in publishing mugshots scrape this data from public records and post it for online searches. Where to find texas mugshots online? Most of the primary mugshot websites - i.e. websites that publish criminal arrest records and mugshot photos from arrests that take place all over the United States feature, and in many cases even focus on Texas arrests.

Texas Mugshot Websites

• texas.arrests.org

• montgomerycountypolicereporter.com

• mugshots.zone

• bustednewspaper.com

3. Public Record Requests: Under the Texas Public Information Act, you can request arrest records, including mugshots, from law enforcement agencies.

Tip: Use specific search terms like "Texas arrest records" or "mugshot lookup by county" for accurate results.

Are All Texas Mugshots Public Record?

In Texas, most mugshots are considered public records under the Texas Public Information Act (TPIA). This law ensures transparency by granting public access to government records, including arrest data. However, there are exceptions:

• Juvenile Records: Mugshots of minors are not public records.

• Sealed or Expunged Records: If your criminal record has been sealed or expunged, the associated mugshot is no longer public.

• Sensitive Cases: Certain cases involving victims of abuse or other sensitive matters may restrict public access.

To determine whether your mugshot qualifies for removal, consult an attorney or a mugshot removal service specializing in Texas laws.

Understanding Texas Mugshot Laws

Texas does not have a specific statute that governs mugshot removal, but the following laws play a significant role:

1. Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA): If a mugshot impacts your background check, the FCRA may provide recourse for correcting inaccuracies.

2. Texas Penal Code Section 109.005: Prohibits mugshot websites from charging fees for removal unless they comply with specific notification and correction processes.

3. Expunction Laws (Texas Code of Criminal Procedure, Chapter 55): These laws allow eligible individuals to erase certain criminal records, including mugshots.

Unsuccessful Texas House Bills on Mugshot Publication and Removal

2015

H.B. 4114

Status: Failed--Adjourned

Relates to the publication, republication, or other dissemination of mug shots and other information regarding the involvement of an individual in the criminal justice system; increases a civil penalty.

2013

H.B. 2861

Status: April 9, 2013, Left pending in committee.

Relates to certain business entities engaged in the publication, republication, or other dissemination of mug shots and other information regarding the involvement of an individual in the criminal justice system; provides a civil penalty. Provides an avenue to dispute records.

Remember: Knowing your rights under these laws can empower you to take action against websites profiting from your image. Find out more about Texas Mugshot Law.

Expunction of Criminal Records in Texas

What Is Expunction?

Expunction is a legal process that removes criminal records, including arrest details and mugshots, from public access.

Who Qualifies for Expunction in Texas?

• Arrests that did not lead to charges.

• Dismissed cases.

• Acquittals.

• Certain misdemeanors committed as a juvenile.

How to File for Expunction

1. Obtain your criminal history and relevant court documents.

2. File a Petition for Expunction in the district court where the arrest occurred.

3. Attend the court hearing and present your case.

Upon approval, law enforcement agencies and third-party websites must delete your mugshot and related records.  Find out more about Removing Expunged Mugshots.