If the criminal charges are withdrawn or you are not found guilty, the mugshot remains visible on the internet. In Florida, employers and companies may be able to view mugshots and information about your arrest that can affect their impression of you, lessening your chances of obtaining work.
Your mugshots are bound to stay online or anywhere unless you do something about it. Even if you got out of prison, your mugshots will still be there. However, hiring a mugshot removal lawyer can help you get your mugshot removed.
Thus, mugshot removal in Florida can help you gain better opportunities.
Florida law offers a strong right to have your mugshot removed from certain websites, but navigating the process and maximizing your chances of success can be complex. Here's why a lawyer specializing in Florida mugshot removal can be a valuable asset:
Can you get a mugshot removed? Yes you can, but you can also expunge one. Get to know the difference between the two as you read on.
The following are legal basis on how to get a mugshot removed:
Mugshots may be removed from the public access systems of the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE) by specific procedures in situations when charges are withdrawn, dismissed, or settled in the individual's favor.
Florida law (Florida Statute § 901.43) empowers you to request the removal of your mugshot from certain websites. Here's a breakdown of the process:
Florida law allows mugshot removal for:
Make a list of all websites where your mugshot appears. Focus on for-profit websites as they are legally obligated to comply with removal requests under Florida law. Non-profit or government websites might have different procedures.
Florida law requires a written request sent by certified mail with proof of receipt. Your request should include:
Send your request with a copy of your ID to the website's registered agent (often listed on their website or through domain name lookup tools).
Florida law gives websites 10 days to respond to your request. If you don't receive a response or your request is denied, consider these options:
Important to Note:
In 10 days, if the photos are not taken down, a fine of $1,000 a day will need to be deposited in Florida's General Revenue Fund by the website or company posting your mugshots.
Hiring a mugshot removal lawyer will help you quickly undergo the process of how to remove mugshots from the internet and ensure that your case will be taken care of. It will also assist clean up your internet footprint if you are qualified to have your case sealed or expunged, or if you have already done so.
Remove your expunged records with the help of a well-experienced mugshot removal attorney. Start with EraseTheCase and get a second chance in life.
Yes, In Florida, mugshots are public records and are often made available online by the Sunshine Law, commonly known as the Florida Public Records Law.
Laws and policies have been put in place in Florida to shield people from the negative effects of having a mugshot. You have the right to request the removal of a mugshot from websites, regardless of the outcome of a criminal trial.
Visit the Florida Department of Corrections (DOC) Corrections Offender Network homepage to view local mugshots for free in Florida.
In 2021, Senate Bill 1046 in Florida was passed which allows you to ask for the removal of mug shots from any websites whether your charges were dropped or not.
