If your name or personal information appears in a damaging article, mugshot, or public record, you’re not alone. Every week, our online content removal lawyers at National Security Law Firm (NSLF) evaluate hundreds of potential removal cases — some with strong prospects, and others that require creative or alternative approaches.

So what actually makes a “good” case for removal? Below, we’ll explain the factors that increase your chances of success — and what to expect if your situation is more complex.

(Remember: every case is different. Always have your matter reviewed by a qualified attorney before taking any action.)

1. The Case Has Been Dismissed, Expunged, or Resolved

One of the strongest indicators of removal potential is that the underlying matter has been dismissed, expunged, sealed, or otherwise resolved in your favor.

When a case is over and the official record has been cleared, the ongoing publication of that story often serves no continuing public interest — and that’s the basis of many of our most successful requests. Editors and government websites are more receptive when there’s an official record showing the allegations were dropped or legally erased.

2. The Content Is Old or Outdated

The older the publication, the weaker its “newsworthiness.” Even legitimate reporting loses relevance with time. A five-year-old arrest report or 10-year-old press release no longer serves a meaningful public function — but it can still destroy careers and reputations today.

At NSLF, our attorneys use journalistic and ethical standards to argue that timeliness and proportionality matter. If an article or record is outdated, that’s often a strong basis for de-indexing or removal.

3. The Information Is Misleading or Incomplete

Editors and agencies are often unaware that details in older stories have changed — such as a reduced charge, dropped count, or later acquittal. In those cases, we build a fairness-based request showing how the continued publication misrepresents your current legal status or public reputation.

We also use off-the-record communication to share documentation privately, avoiding unnecessary republication or retaliation.

4. There’s Clear Evidence of Harm

A strong removal case includes proof that the publication is causing measurable harm — such as:

  • Loss of employment or income

  • Rejection from jobs, schools, or volunteer positions

  • Harassment, safety concerns, or reputational damage

  • Ongoing mental health effects or family distress

Demonstrating harm gives editors and agencies a moral and ethical basis to act, especially when the content’s public value has diminished.

5. The Source Has a Known Removal or De-Indexing Policy

Some publishers — like Patch, NJ.com, and local police departments — maintain policies for reviewing requests tied to expunged or dismissed cases. Others, like court aggregator sites or mugshot databases, respond best to state-specific legal arguments or policy-based appeals.

Our internet content removal lawyers maintain an internal database of publication policies and contact points nationwide, so we know where to push, when to negotiate, and when to escalate.

6. The Request Is Professional, Specific, and Evidence-Based

Editors are far more likely to help when a request is calm, factual, and supported by documents. Emotional appeals or legal threats tend to backfire.

Our firm crafts persuasive, off-the-record requests that focus on fairness, accuracy, ethics, and harm — not hostility. Each one is tailored to the platform and grounded in the Society of Professional Journalists’ Code of Ethics, which emphasizes minimizing harm and updating outdated content.

7. There’s Flexibility on Outcomes (De-Indexing Counts)

Sometimes, full removal isn’t possible — but de-indexing can achieve the same practical result. When a page is delisted from Google or tagged “noindex,” it disappears from search results.

That means no one searching your name will ever find it. For most clients, that’s the same as erasure. Our attorneys often negotiate de-indexing as a fallback when deletion is off the table — and it’s often faster and just as effective.

8. The Client Understands That Every Case Is Unique

No two removal matters are identical. A strong argument on one platform may fail on another. That’s why all removal efforts must be run through a licensed attorney who can assess the publication’s policy, applicable state law, and reputational impact before acting.

At NSLF, we evaluate each case through multiple legal, ethical, and policy frameworks to identify every viable path to relief.

Explore More Insider Strategies

Want to understand the process in greater depth? Visit our Internet Content Removal Resource Hub for insider strategies, policy breakdowns, and examples of successful removals.
Our Resource Hub covers everything from Google de-indexing to government press release removals, mugshot law by state, and more.

Why Choose National Security Law Firm

  • 4.9-Star Google Reviews: Read real client success stories.

  • No Fee Unless We Succeed: You pay nothing unless your content is removed or de-indexed.

  • Nationwide Representation: Our online content removal lawyers help clients in every state.

  • Insider Experience: Former federal and government attorneys with a track record of results.

  • Legal + Ethical Advocacy: We negotiate removals that stand up to scrutiny.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Your reputation deserves protection. Schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys today:
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