If your arrest record shows up on Busted Newspaper, you are not stuck with it forever. Many people can get their listing taken down, though the process is not always quick or simple. This guide explains what Busted Newspaper is and how to ask for removal. It also covers what it costs, how long it can take, and what to do if the site does not respond.
What Busted Newspaper is
Busted Newspaper is a website that posts mugshots and arrest records. It collects booking information from law enforcement agencies and jails across the United States. The site sorts listings by state and county. As of this writing, it is still online and active.
Most of this data comes from public records. That is part of why these listings are hard to deal with. The information was public to begin with, so the site claims a right to publish it.
Can your record be removed?
In many cases, yes. Busted Newspaper does offer a way to request removal. But it is not automatic, and not every request gets approved.
Your odds depend on the status of your case. You have the best chance if your charges were dismissed, dropped, expunged, or sealed. The same is true if you were found not guilty. If your case is still open or ended in a conviction, removal is harder. In that situation, suppression may be your realistic path. Suppression means pushing the listing down in search results so fewer people see it. You can read our guide on how to remove a mugshot from Google if that is your goal.
How to request removal step by step
- Find your listing on the site and save the exact web address.
- Gather your court documents. This usually means proof that your case was dismissed, sealed, expunged, or ended in a not guilty verdict.
- Look for the removal page on the site. Confirm the current link and instructions there before you submit anything.
- Fill out the removal form. You will likely need your name, contact details, the listing address, and a reason for removal.
- Upload your court documents. The site may only accept certain file types and small file sizes.
- Submit the request and keep a copy of everything you sent.
Do not count on the exact form fields or email address staying the same. These sites change their process often. Always check the current steps on the site itself before you send any documents.
What it costs
Reports on cost vary. Some guides say Busted Newspaper does not charge a fee to remove a listing when you provide proper court documents. Some states also have laws that ban charging fees to take down these records.
Even so, mugshot sites have a history of tying removal to payment. You may be asked to pay, or you may be pushed toward a paid service. Be careful before you hand over any money. To learn what pricing looks like in this space, see our guide on how much mugshot removal costs.
How long it takes
There is no set timeline you can count on. One guide reports the site aims to review and remove listings within about ten days. Others report longer waits or no reply at all. The site may not send you a confirmation.
Plan for the process to take time. If you do not hear back, you may need to follow up more than once. For a wider look at wait times, see how long mugshot removal takes.
What to do if it fails
Sometimes the site ignores your request or says no. You still have options.
- Send a polite follow-up and attach your documents again.
- File a complaint with your state attorney general or the FTC if you were charged a fee that your state does not allow.
- Work on suppression so the listing ranks lower in search results.
- Talk to a removal service or an attorney if the record is causing real harm.
Keep in mind that copies of your listing may exist on other sites. You may need to send more than one request to clear your name across the web.
Frequently asked questions
Is Busted Newspaper still online?
Yes. As of this writing, the site is active and still posting arrest records. Because it is live, you can submit a removal request through it.
Can I remove my record if I was convicted?
It is harder. The site usually removes listings tied to dismissed, sealed, or expunged cases. If you were convicted, removal may not be granted. Suppression is often the better goal in that case.
Last updated on July 27, 2026