Court records are public by default in the United States, and the internet has made them more accessible than ever. Whether it's a dismissed case, a minor infraction from years ago, or a civil dispute, these records can follow you online indefinitely — appearing in Google searches, data broker profiles, and background checks. Here's what you can do about it.
Types of Court Records That Appear Online
Several categories of court records commonly surface on the internet:
- Criminal records: Arrests, charges, convictions, and sentencing information
- Civil court records: Lawsuits, judgments, and settlements
- Bankruptcy filings: Chapter 7, Chapter 11, and Chapter 13 petitions
- Family court records: Divorce filings, custody disputes, restraining orders
- Traffic violations: DUI charges, reckless driving, and other serious traffic offenses
- Small claims court: Disputes and judgments for smaller amounts
- Eviction records: Landlord-tenant disputes and unlawful detainer actions
Where Court Records Appear Online
Your court records can show up across multiple types of websites:
- Official court websites: PACER (federal), state court portals, and county clerk sites
- People search sites: Spokeo, BeenVerified, TruePeopleSearch, and others scrape court databases and include records in personal profiles
- Mugshot sites: Sites like Mugshots.com, BustedMugshots, and Arrests.org publish booking photos and arrest details
- Background check services: Checkr, GoodHire, and similar services pull court records for employment screening
- News articles: Media coverage of arrests or court proceedings
- Google search results: All of the above can appear when someone Googles your name
Legal Options for Removing Court Records
Expungement
Expungement is the legal process of sealing or destroying a criminal record so it no longer appears in public databases. If granted:
- The record is removed from court databases
- You can legally say the arrest or conviction never happened in most situations
- Background checks should not reveal the expunged record
Eligibility varies by state, but you may qualify for expungement if:
- Charges were dismissed or you were acquitted
- You completed a diversion or pre-trial intervention program
- A certain amount of time has passed since a misdemeanor conviction
- You received a pardon
How to Start the Expungement Process
Contact the clerk of court in the jurisdiction where your case was handled. Many courts have self-help centers with expungement forms. For complex cases, consulting an attorney who specializes in criminal record expungement is strongly recommended — many offer free consultations.
Record Sealing
Record sealing is similar to expungement but the record still exists — it's just hidden from public view. Sealed records are typically only accessible to law enforcement and certain government agencies. Many states that don't offer full expungement do offer record sealing.
Certificates of Rehabilitation
Some states offer certificates of rehabilitation that don't remove the record but provide official documentation that you've been rehabilitated. While the record remains visible, these certificates can help in employment and housing applications.
Removing Court Records From Third-Party Websites
Even after expungement, third-party websites may still display cached copies of your records. Here's how to address each source:
Data Broker and People Search Sites
- Search for yourself on major data brokers (Spokeo, BeenVerified, TruePeopleSearch, etc.)
- Submit opt-out/removal requests to each site individually
- If you have an expungement order, include a copy — most sites will comply faster
- Follow up if records aren't removed within the stated timeframe
Mugshot Websites
- Many states have passed laws prohibiting mugshot sites from charging removal fees
- Send a removal request citing your expungement order (if you have one)
- Some mugshot sites will remove records for free if charges were dismissed
- If a site doesn't comply, consult an attorney about your options under state law
Google Search Results
- Use Google's removal request tool to request removal of pages containing your personal information
- Google will remove search results that show personal information like ID numbers associated with court records
- For expunged records, Google may remove results that display information about the sealed case
Warning: News Articles Are Harder to Remove
News organizations generally have First Amendment protections for their reporting. Even if your record is expunged, a newspaper is not legally required to remove its article about your arrest. You can ask the publication to update or remove the article, but they're not obligated to comply. Some may add an editor's note about the expungement.
What If You Can't Get Records Expunged?
If you don't qualify for expungement, you still have options:
- Opt out of data brokers: Even without expungement, you can request removal of your profile from people-search sites. They may still re-add court records, but persistent opt-out requests help.
- Online reputation management: Push negative results down in search rankings by creating positive content — a professional website, LinkedIn profile, published articles, and social media profiles.
- Monitor your online presence: Regularly Google yourself and set up Google Alerts for your name to catch new appearances of court records.
Automate the Process
Removing court records from the internet is a multi-step process that involves legal filings, individual opt-out requests to dozens of data brokers, and ongoing monitoring. It's overwhelming to manage alone.
PrivacyOn handles the data broker side of this equation. PrivacyOn automatically submits removal requests to 100+ data broker and people search sites that may be displaying your court records, criminal history, or other personal information. With continuous monitoring, PrivacyOn ensures that even when these sites re-scrape public records and rebuild your profile, your data gets removed again automatically.