Being arrested and charged with a crime in Texas can come with severe consequences. While it is only natural to feel panicked, afraid, and overwhelmed, you have legal options. At Rountree Law Firm, we are passionate about helping Texas residents through the process of understanding Texas mugshot removal. Whether you were arrested for petty theft in downtown Austin or sexual assault in the Domain, Rountree Law Firm is here to protect your reputation.
Steps for Mugshot Removal in Texas
There are over 70 million people throughout the country who have a criminal record and, therefore, a mugshot. In the state of Texas, you may be able to have your mugshot removed from various websites with the help of an attorney.
There are several benefits to having your mugshot removed, or going a step further and seeking an expunction or non-disclosure order. One of the key benefits will be your employability. Individuals who have been arrested and charged with a crime face a 30% unemployment rate. Mugshot removal can help you avoid unemployment issues.
In order to have your mugshot removed in Texas, the first thing you need to do is consult with an attorney. Together, you and your attorney can conduct a comprehensive sweep of the internet to find all of the websites hosting images of your mugshot or arrest records. You can then prepare a formal removal request that will need to include your full name, date of birth, and the URLs you wish to have your mugshot removed from.
You must then allow a specific amount of time for the websites to remove your mugshot. If they do not comply with your request, your attorney can help you evaluate your next steps to ensure that your mugshot is removed from the internet. In addition to mugshot removal, your attorney can also help you seek expunction or non-disclosure of your criminal record. These two legal actions are defined as:
- Expunction. This legal action works to erase your criminal record and allows you the ability to deny any kind of arrest in legal terms. Eligibility for expunction typically only exists in cases where charges were either dismissed or you were acquitted of all charges.
- Order of non-disclosure. This is a court order that effectively seals your criminal record from being accessible to the public and only allows access to law enforcement personnel. This is typically only available to first-time offenders who have completed required deferred adjudication in a successful manner.
These two actions are key steps in protecting your future and paving the way for better and brighter things.
Exceptions for Texas Mugshot Removal
It is important to keep in mind, when looking to enact your rights to try and get your mugshot removed from the internet, that you make yourself aware of any exceptions that may stand in your way.
Many times, absent an expunction or order of non disclosure, government websites, public databases, or websites that are outside of Texas jurisdiction may not remove your information. If a website is based outside the state or even in another country, then it may not be legally obligated to comply with laws specific to Texas.
When jurisdiction is the main issue, it is important that you speak with an attorney who can help you better understand interstate and international internet privacy and defamation law.
In these situations, seeking expunction or a non-disclosure order may be the first essential step to getting your mugshot removed from the internet.
About Rountree Law Firm
At Rountree Law Firm, we are here to help protect your rights and future. One of the ways we can do this is by helping to get your mugshot removed from websites by first seeking possible expunction and non-disclosure orders.
After having spent over a decade as a state prosecutor, attorney Andrew Rountree turned his time and attention to the other side of the courtroom and works to help those accused of criminal acts across the state of Texas. Don’t panic. Call Andrew.
FAQs
Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Mugshot Removal Lawyer?
A: It can be difficult to offer an exact number as to how much it might cost to hire a mugshot removal lawyer in Texas. This is because there are several factors involved in a mugshot removal case that can affect the final cost analysis of an attorney. These factors include the duration and complexity of your mugshot removal case and the skill level and experience of your lawyer.
Q: How Can I Protect My Online Reputation?
A: After you undergo successful mugshot removal, there are certain things you can do to protect your reputation moving forward. First, it is important that you regularly monitor your online presence and address any new appearances of your mugshot. It is also crucial that you stay aware of your rights and keep in contact with your attorney, who can act swiftly should your mugshot make a new appearance online.
Q: Can I Remove a Mugshot From a Government Website?
A: Probably not. In the state of Texas, it can be hard to get your mugshot and arrest information removed from government websites. If a mugshot is hosted on an official government website, such as your local county sheriff’s office or certain databases, such as the county clerk, these mugshots usually can only be removed by processes like expunction or non-disclosure orders.
Hire a Mugshot Removal Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one is struggling with the negative impact of having a mugshot available online, it is time to hire a mugshot removal lawyer. At Rountree Law Firm, we are here to protect you and pave the way for a better and brighter future. We are passionate about helping you restore your reputation and take control back over your life and online image. Call our offices today at 512-262-8080 to learn about the Texas mugshot removal and schedule a consultation.
