Expungement clears your criminal record from official state databases, but it doesn’t erase your digital footprint. Many people assume the internet will automatically update once a court grants expungement. Unfortunately, the internet doesn’t work that way. Once someone posts information online, it spreads quickly and often stays visible even after the legal record disappears.
What expungement actually clears
In New Jersey, expungement removes qualifying arrests or convictions from public records held by the state. Government background checks stop showing those entries. The law treats the offense as if it did not happen. However, private websites run independently and often collect arrest data before courts finalize expungements. These sites rarely delete or update content on their own.
Why mugshots stay online
Mugshot websites pull information from public arrest records. The law allows them to access and repost this information. Expungement doesn’t force third-party sites to remove older content. Many of these platforms even charge fees to take mugshots down, which makes controlling your online image more difficult. Even when your record no longer shows up on a background check, the internet can still display the mugshot.
What you can do about it
Contact mugshot websites directly and request removal. Provide your expungement paperwork as proof. Some sites will cooperate, especially in states with strong privacy laws. You can also ask search engines like Google to remove the page from results. If you need help, reputation management services offer support, though they often charge high fees. To succeed, stay persistent and follow up regularly.
After receiving an expungement, act quickly. Save certified copies of the expungement order and contact any site that still displays your mugshot. Set alerts for your name to catch future posts. Create positive content about yourself to push the mugshot lower in search results. Legal expungement helps, but you must take extra steps to protect your online image.