Top Shelf Reputation Blog

Online Background Checks vs. Court Databases: What’s the Difference?
When your name shows up in an online search, you want to know exactly where the information is coming from. If it’s a court record, who posted it? If it’s a background report, is it even accurate? This is where most people get confused. Court databases and online background check

Template: Email to Request Court Record Removal from a Website
Online court records can stay on the internet long after your case is closed. Even if your case was dismissed or resolved years ago, it may still show up on third-party sites. These sites collect public records and publish them, often without your knowledge or consent. If your court record

Best Legal Tools for Monitoring Your Name Online
Your name is your brand. Whether you’re a lawyer, doctor, or just someone applying for a new job, what shows up when someone Googles you matters. If outdated or harmful info appears, it can cost you opportunities. So how do you stay on top of what’s out there? Let’s break

Best States for Record Expungement in 2025
What makes a state “expungement friendly”? Not all states treat criminal records the same. Some make it nearly impossible to clear your name. Others have opened the door wide for second chances. An expungement-friendly state usually has: The best states hit more than one of these marks. Let’s break it

Why Some Court Records Can’t Be Removed—and What to Do About It
Not all court records can be erased from the internet. Whether you’re dealing with a criminal case, a civil lawsuit, or an eviction, some records are simply too public, too persistent, or too legally protected to remove. But that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. Dig Deeper: How to Remove Court

How Long Does It Take to Remove Court Records from the Internet?
Removing court records from the internet isn’t always fast—or easy. Depending on the type of record, where it’s published, and your removal method, the timeline can vary from a few days to several months. Here’s a clear breakdown of how long it takes to remove court records online and what

How to Contact Websites to Delete Court Records
If your court records are showing up online and damaging your reputation, contacting the websites hosting them is a direct way to get them removed. But not all websites make it easy. Here’s a clear, step-by-step guide to help you reach out and request deletion. Dig Deeper: How to Remove Court

How to Fix Your Reputation After a Lawsuit
A lawsuit can leave a lasting mark on your reputation, even if you win. Whether you were a plaintiff, defendant, or just caught in the middle, negative perceptions can stick around. But you’re not powerless. Here’s how to rebuild your reputation after a lawsuit and regain control of your image.

How You Can Prevent Court Records from Harming Your Career
Court records can be a serious threat to your career—even if you were never convicted. Employers, clients, and colleagues can quickly form negative opinions if they find your name linked to a lawsuit or criminal case online. But you can take steps to protect yourself. Here’s how to prevent court

When Court Records Are Eligible for Online Removal
Court records can damage your reputation, but not all of them have to stay online forever. Whether you can remove a court record depends on the type of case, how it was resolved, and your legal rights. Here’s how to know when a court record is eligible for online removal.