Expungement can feel like a fresh start, but for many, its relief stops short of addressing the full scope of damage caused by an arrest or criminal charge. While an expungement order can seal your records from public background checks, it doesn’t erase news articles, mugshots, or police blotter entries from the internet. If you’ve undergone the expungement process only to find negative online content about you still accessible, you’re not alone. Below, we’ll explain why expungement does not remove articles from the internet and what you can do to take control of your online presence.

Legal Limitations of Expungement

1. First Amendment Protections

News articles and other content published online are typically protected under the First Amendment, which guarantees freedom of speech and freedom of the press. This protection extends to content that is factually accurate at the time of publication, even if the subject matter has since been expunged. For example:

  • If a news agency publishes an article stating you were arrested for a crime, and this fact is true, the article is considered lawful even if your record is later sealed or expunged.
  • Courts generally cannot compel private entities, like news organizations, to remove or alter published content unless it is false, defamatory, or otherwise violates the law.

In short, while expungement seals your legal records, it does not erase public records or news stories created by private parties.

2. Jurisdictional Boundaries

Expungement orders are issued by state courts and apply only to specific entities within the jurisdiction of that state. Typically, these orders are binding only on:

  • Law enforcement agencies (e.g., police departments, courts, and the FBI).
  • Governmental entities that conduct background checks.

Private organizations, such as news outlets or social media platforms, are not subject to state expungement laws unless they voluntarily choose to comply. Since many news organizations operate nationally or internationally, they are not bound by the legal obligations imposed by a single state’s expungement laws.

Practical Reasons Expungement Does Not Affect Online Content

1. Permanent Digital Footprints

Once an article or image is published online, it becomes part of the digital ecosystem. Even if the original source removes the content, copies, screenshots, or cached versions may continue to circulate on other websites or search engines. Search engines like Google archive and index content, which means that expunged information can still appear in search results long after the original source deletes it.

2. No Legal Obligation to Remove

Expungement orders do not legally compel private parties—such as journalists, bloggers, or website owners—to remove their content. News organizations and websites generally maintain their editorial independence and will only consider removal requests if there is a compelling ethical or factual reason to do so.

3. “Public Interest” Argument

Many news organizations argue that arrest records and criminal charges are matters of public interest, even if the individual is ultimately acquitted or the record is expunged. This argument is often cited to justify retaining articles online, as they consider the information to have historical or societal relevance.

4. No Unified Policies for Removal

There is no universal standard for handling content removal requests. Policies vary widely:

  • Some news agencies have strict “no removal” policies.
  • Others allow for unpublishing requests but require substantial documentation, such as proof of expungement or compelling evidence of harm caused by the content.
  • Smaller websites may lack formal policies altogether, making removal negotiations more complex and inconsistent.

How Expungement Can Indirectly Support Content Removal

While expungement does not directly remove articles from the internet, it can strengthen your case for requesting removal. Here’s how:

  • Proof of Rehabilitation: Presenting evidence of expungement shows that the incident is no longer legally relevant, which can persuade some organizations to consider removing or anonymizing the content.
  • Leverage for Negotiation: Expungement can be a compelling argument when negotiating with smaller websites or platforms that may lack rigid editorial policies.
  • Ethical Considerations: Some organizations have internal guidelines prioritizing fairness and privacy, especially if the expungement demonstrates a clean slate.

Our No-Fee Guarantee and Flexible Payment Plans

At National Security Law Firm, we believe in delivering results with no financial risk to you. Our approach includes:

  1. No-Fee Guarantee
    You only pay if we successfully remove or deindex your content. If we are unable to achieve the desired result, you owe us nothing. This ensures you can pursue content removal without worrying about upfront costs or wasted fees.
  2. Transparent, Flat-Fee Pricing
    Our flat fee of $3,000 per successful removal means no hidden costs or surprises. You’ll know exactly what to expect from the start.
  3. Flexible Payment Plans
    Through Pay Later by Affirm, we offer payment plans that allow you to spread costs over 3, 6, 12, or even 24 months. This means we can start working on your case with little money down, providing a payment schedule that fits your financial needs.

We are committed to making content removal accessible to everyone, no matter your financial situation.

*The use of the word “guarantee” refers to our refund policy and does not promise a specific legal outcome.

Learn More About Content Removal

At National Security Law Firm, we’ve developed a comprehensive library of resources to help you better understand the intricacies of online content removal. Whether you’re dealing with outdated arrest records, misleading news articles, or defamatory content, we have detailed blog posts that explain your options and how we can help.

Here are some key articles to explore:

  1. The Role of Legal Expertise in Online Content Removal. Learn why working with an experienced attorney is critical for effective content removal and how our no-fee guarantee and flexible payment plans provide risk-free solutions.
  2. Comprehensive Legal and Ethical Strategies for Online Content Removal

Explore the wide range of legal and ethical tools we use to remove harmful content, including copyright claims, privacy violations, and appeals to journalistic ethics.

  1. How to Remove News Articles About an Arrest from Google and the Internet
    Learn about the different strategies for removing or deindexing harmful content, from negotiating with publishers to pursuing legal action, as well as practical tips to mitigate online damage.
  2. How to Remove a News Article, Arrest Record, Police Blotter, and/or Mugshot from Google Search or the Internet

This comprehensive guide outlines strategies for addressing various types of online content, from requesting removal to pursuing deindexing and legal remedies.

By exploring these posts, you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions surrounding harmful online content. For personalized guidance, we encourage you to reach out for a free consultation.

Why Choose National Security Law Firm?

At National Security Law Firm, we specialize in navigating the complex landscape of online content removal. Our team of experienced lawyers offers:

  • Customized Strategies: Tailored approaches based on your specific circumstances and the nature of the content.
  • Proven Results: A track record of successfully removing harmful content from major news outlets and platforms.
  • Transparent Pricing: A flat fee of $3,000 per successful removal, with no upfront risk thanks to our contingency model.
  • Nationwide Service: We assist clients across the United States, ensuring you receive expert help no matter where you are.

📅 Ready to Speak with a Content Removal Lawyer?

The quickest and easiest way to get started is by booking your free consultation online. You can choose the day and time that works best for you—no need to call or speak with a receptionist.

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We’ll review your situation, answer your questions, and help you understand your options for removing harmful or unwanted online content. Consultations are 100% free and confidential.