How to Remove Your Criminal Record from Google

When a potential employer, landlord, or date Googles your name and a criminal record shows up, it can derail opportunities you deserve. Court records are public by default, and dozens of background check sites and data brokers republish them to drive traffic and sell reports. But there are real steps you can take to reduce or eliminate this visibility, starting with expungement and working through Google's removal tools.

Last updated March 18, 2026

> What to do

  1. 1

    Check if you are eligible for expungement

    Expungement is the legal process of sealing or destroying your criminal record. Eligibility varies by state and depends on the type of offense, how long ago it occurred, and whether you completed your sentence. Many states now allow expungement for misdemeanors, first-time offenses, and some felonies. Check your state court's website or contact a legal aid organization.

  2. 2

    File for expungement if eligible

    The expungement process typically involves filing a petition with the court that handled your case. Some states offer online filing. You may need to attend a hearing. Once granted, the court record is sealed, and you can legally answer "no" to questions about arrests or convictions on most applications. Legal aid organizations can help if you can't afford an attorney.

  3. 3

    Request removal from Google Search

    Google has a removal request tool for outdated content. If your record has been expunged and the court website no longer shows it, you can request that Google remove the cached results. Google also allows removal of content that shows personal information like your address alongside criminal records.

    Google Content Removal →
  4. 4

    Opt out of background check and people search sites

    Sites like BeenVerified, Spokeo, TruthFinder, and Instant Checkmate pull court records and republish them. Even after expungement, these sites may still show cached or previously scraped data. Submit opt-out requests to each one. If you have an expungement order, include a copy since most sites will prioritize removal when they see a court order.

  5. 5

    Contact the court to confirm sealing

    After expungement is granted, verify that the court has actually updated its online records. Some courts are slow to remove records from their public-facing databases. If your record is still visible on the court website weeks after the expungement order, contact the clerk of court and ask them to update their system.

> Why criminal records are so hard to remove from Google

Court records are public in the United States by default. When you are arrested or charged with a crime, that information enters the court system and becomes accessible to anyone. Dozens of companies scrape court databases automatically and republish the records on their own sites. Even if the original court record is sealed through expungement, these third-party sites may still have cached copies. And Google indexes all of it, so a simple name search can surface records from years ago. The combination of public records law, automated scraping, and Google indexing creates a system where a single arrest can follow you online indefinitely unless you actively work to remove it.

> SCAN_NOW

See what shows up when someone searches your name

Search your name to find out which data broker and background check sites are publishing your records online.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I remove a criminal record from Google without expungement?▼
You can request removal of specific Google results that show personal contact information alongside your record. But if the source site still has the record published, Google may not remove it. Expungement gives you the strongest grounds for removal because the underlying record is legally sealed.
How long does expungement take?▼
It varies by state, but typically takes 2 to 6 months from filing to the court order being granted. Some states with large backlogs can take longer. The subsequent process of getting third-party sites to remove their copies adds additional weeks.
Do background checks still show expunged records?▼
Legally, no. Under the FCRA, background check companies are not supposed to report expunged records. In practice, some companies are slow to update their databases. If an expunged record shows up on a background check, you have the right to dispute it and the company must remove it.
What if I can't afford an attorney for expungement?▼
Many states have legal aid organizations that help with expungement for free or at reduced cost. Some states have simplified the process so you can file without an attorney. Search for "[your state] free expungement help" to find resources in your area.
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