“How to Navigate the World of Mugshot Removal in Florida”

Having a mugshot out there on the net can be detrimental to one’s personal and professional life. When someone is arrested, their booking photo or mugshot is generally taken by the arresting agency and is then made available to the public. With the rise of online mugshot sites, these photos have grown to be easy to get at for one to view. However, the State of Florida has implemented some laws that protect individuals from the misuse of these photos. In this article, we shall discuss the process of mugshot removal services in Florida.

What are mugshot sites?

Mugshot sites are websites that collect and publish mugshots of individuals taken after an arrest or booking. These websites often rank high in search engines and can result in a great deal of injury to an individual’s personal or professional life. The reason being some employers and landlords may use these websites as a screening tool when hiring or renting out property. In Florida, there are always a few laws that regulate the utilization of these photos.

The laws regarding mugshot removal in Florida:

Florida has a few laws that protect individuals’ rights to privacy regarding their mugshots. Florida Statute 943.0585 states that websites that publish photos taken during an arrest “for purposes of making a gain must remove such photos at the request of the in-patient whose arrest is depicted.” Additionally, Florida Statute 119.07(3)(g) allows individuals to request that the arrest record and associated booking photograph be taken from the general public record if the charges were dropped, dismissed, or the patient was acquitted.

The process for requesting removal:

If an individual in Florida has received their charges dropped, dismissed, or has been acquitted, they could request that their arrest record and associated booking photograph be taken off the public record. To do this, individuals must file a request with the arresting agency and the agency that maintains the records. Sometimes, the patient might have to file a petition with the court. After the request has been made, the agency could have a set timeframe to respond. If the request is granted, the individual’s arrest record and associated booking photograph will be removed from people record.

Just how long does it take for a mugshot to be removed in Florida?

The method of mugshot removal in Florida usually takes weeks to several months, with regards to the circumstances surrounding the arrest. After the request has been made, the agency will review the request and answer the individual within a set level of time. If the request is granted, the individual’s arrest record and associated booking photograph will undoubtedly be taken from people record. However, it is very important to note that mugshot sites might not immediately remove the photo. Some websites may store the photo for a quantity of time before removing it.

Can mugshot websites be held accountable for not removing photos?

Based on Florida law, websites that publish photos taken during an arrest “for purposes of creating a profit must remove such photos at the request of the average person whose arrest is depicted.” If a website fails to remove a photograph after getting a request, the patient might have legal recourse. Sometimes, the patient may have the ability to sue the web site for damages. However, it is important to note that this process could be lengthy and expensive.

Conclusion:

Having a mugshot out on the net may be harmful to one’s personal and professional life. However, in Florida, individuals have certain rights regarding the usage of their mugshots. If an individual’s charges were dismissed or they were acquitted, they are able to request that their arrest record and associated booking photograph be taken from people record. Although the procedure of mugshot removal can take weeks to almost a year, it is worth the effort to guard one’s privacy and reputation. If an internet site fails to remove the photo after a request, there could be legal recourse available. It is essential to know one’s rights as it pertains to mugshot removal in Florida and to take the right steps to protect oneself.