Why It Matters
Court records live online longer than most people expect. Even if the legal case is closed, the consequences often linger. A single record can mess with job searches, rental applications, or even dating. Helping a family member clean that up can change their future. But most people don’t know where to start.
One man called us after his sister’s shoplifting charge from 2014 kept showing up on Google. It was dismissed the same year. Still, it haunted her every time she applied for a job. He said, “She kept getting interviews, but never call-backs. Once we Googled her name, we saw why.”
Dig Deeper: How to Remove Court Records from Google Search
Step 1: Check What’s Online
Google Their Name
Start with a Google search. Type their full name in quotes. Add their state or city if their name is common. Look for court websites, mugshot sites, news stories, or background check listings.
Make a list of every website that shows the court record. Include the page link and what kind of record it shows.
Use People Search Sites
Go a little deeper by searching on sites like Whitepages, Spokeo, TruthFinder, or BeenVerified. Many of these sites scrape court data and don’t update it.
Most of them offer opt-out forms. You may need your family member to confirm details or click verification emails.
Step 2: See If the Record Can Be Removed
Was the Case Dismissed, Expunged, or Sealed?
If the case was dismissed or your family member was found not guilty, they might qualify for removal. If it was expunged or sealed, that makes things even easier.
Contact the court or check the court’s website to confirm if the record is eligible for removal. Expungement laws vary by state. For example, in California, dismissed misdemeanors can often be expunged. In Texas, sealing might be the better route.
Statute of Limitations
Some websites remove content automatically after a few years. Others don’t. If the record is over 7 years old, it may be considered outdated. That can help in negotiations or content removal requests.
Step 3: Submit Removal Requests
Contact the Website Directly
Each site has its own process. Look for a “Contact Us,” “Opt-Out,” or “Information Removal” link at the bottom of the page. Send a clear, polite message.
Include the name, case number, and link to the record. Mention if it was expunged or dismissed. Attach any court documentation if available.
Example:
Hello, I’m requesting the removal of a court record for [Full Name] listed on your site at [URL]. The case was dismissed and is no longer relevant. Please find attached the court order. Thank you.
Use Google’s Removal Tools
If the record has been taken off a website but still appears in search, use the “Remove Outdated Content” tool from Google. This tells Google to refresh their index and drop dead links.
You can also file a more formal request through their legal removal page if the information falls under privacy or harassment guidelines.
Consider Help from a Reputation Management Service
Sometimes you hit a wall. Some websites ignore you or charge for removal. This is where a reputation management service can help. These companies specialize in removals, suppression, and content repair strategies. Make sure you choose one that doesn’t charge unless they actually get results.
Step 4: Suppress the Record
Publish Positive Content
Create new content tied to your family member’s name. This helps push old court records down in Google search results. Think LinkedIn profiles, blog posts, interviews, or portfolio pages.
One woman we worked with launched a site about her catering business. Within three months, her old court link dropped to page three.
Stay Active Online
Have them keep posting. Fresh updates signal relevance to search engines. The more positive mentions, the less visible the court record becomes.
Step 5: Monitor the Results
Use free tools like Google Alerts to get updates anytime their name shows up online. You can set alerts for variations of their name and location.
Some paid services offer monthly monitoring. This can be helpful if you want to stay ahead of background check sites or avoid new listings.
What to Do If Removal Fails
Legal Options
If the website refuses and the content is false, misleading, or defamatory, your family member may be able to take legal action. Defamation cases are tough but not impossible. Talk to an attorney about options.
File a Complaint
You can report non-compliant sites to Google, the hosting provider, or even the Better Business Bureau. Some states have consumer protection laws that may apply.
Focus on Suppression
If removal isn’t possible, go all in on suppression. Think of it like SEO for your name. Build a strong online presence. Push negative results down. Over time, they become harder to find.
Final Thoughts
Court records shouldn’t define a person forever. Helping a family member clean up their online history is one of the best ways to support their future. Even small wins matter. One less link could mean one more job offer.
There’s no magic trick. But with the right steps, persistence, and a little creativity, you can change the story that shows up on Google. Sometimes the best way to move forward is to clear the path behind you.
Need help? Top Shelf Reputation specializes in managing court records online, even when they can’t be fully removed. Contact us today to take back control of your online image.