Can a felony record ever be removed from Google?

Yes. Even felony records can be de-indexed from Google in the right circumstances: if the record was expunged or sealed (and you have documentation), if the source page was removed from the court's own website, or if the specific Google page contains sensitive personal information (like SSN or financial data) in addition to the felony. We've achieved Google de-indexing for old, resolved felony records in many cases.

How long does a felony record appear on background checks?

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, many background check reports can include felony convictions indefinitely - there is no time limit for criminal convictions in most states. The 7-year rule applies only to arrests without conviction and certain other non-conviction records. Without active remediation, a felony conviction may appear on background checks for the rest of your life.

How long does online court record removal take?

Online court record removal typically takes 2 to 12 weeks depending on the number of sites publishing your record, each platform's response time, and whether legal processes (expungement, sealing) are involved. Commercial data broker sites tend to respond faster (1-4 weeks) than legal databases (4-8 weeks). Google de-indexing adds another 2-4 weeks. Our team coordinates all removals simultaneously to minimize total time.

Do I need an expungement to remove records from the internet?

No - expungement and online record removal are two separate processes. Many records can be removed from online databases, background check sites, and Google search results without any court order. Expungement seals records from government databases; online removal targets commercial and third-party websites. Both should be pursued together for the most complete result.

Can a felony record ever be removed from Google?+

Yes. Even felony records can be de-indexed from Google in the right circumstances: if the record was expunged or sealed (and you have documentation), if the source page was removed from the court's own website, or if the specific Google page contains sensitive personal information (like SSN or financial data) in addition to the felony. We've achieved Google de-indexing for old, resolved felony records in many cases.

How long does a felony record appear on background checks?+

Under the Fair Credit Reporting Act, many background check reports can include felony convictions indefinitely - there is no time limit for criminal convictions in most states. The 7-year rule applies only to arrests without conviction and certain other non-conviction records. Without active remediation, a felony conviction may appear on background checks for the rest of your life.

Record Types · 2026

Felony Record Showing Online: Expungement Options & Online Suppression

A felony conviction creates the most prominent and persistent type of public criminal record. Felony records appear at the top of Google search results, in every comprehensive background check, and on dozens of data broker profiles. While felony expungement is more limited than misdemeanor expungement in most states, it is not impossible - and even without expungement, there are strategies for reducing online visibility. This guide covers the realistic options for someone whose felony conviction is showing prominently in online searches.

By Anthony Will Est. 2013 Published May 27, 2026 Read time: 10 min

Which Felonies Can Be Expunged?

Felony expungement availability varies dramatically by state. Here is the landscape: For more information, visit the OJP.

Most permissive states: Michigan (most felonies, 5-year wait), Illinois (F3/F4 with 3-year wait), New Jersey (many felonies after 5 years), Ohio (F4/F5 after 3 years), California (dismissal under PC 1203.4)
Moderate: Pennsylvania (limited access orders for some felonies), Indiana, Missouri, Nevada (sealing)
Most restrictive: Texas (generally no felony expungement except non-convictions), Florida (very limited felony expungement), Arizona (set aside only, not true expungement)
Typically excluded in all states: Murder, sexual assault, child abuse, terrorism, human trafficking

Options Without Expungement

For felony convictions that cannot be expunged, several strategies can reduce online visibility: For more information, visit the EEOC.

Your record is probably showing in more places than you realize - and each one can be addressed.

Most people who reach out to us had no idea how many places their record had spread. Justia, Google Scholar, UniCourt, background check sites - each one a new place where employers, landlords, or dates might find you. A free scan shows you exactly where you stand, so you can do something about it.

See Every Place Your Record Appears →

Data broker removal: Remove felony conviction information from 50+ people-search sites through opt-out requests
Suppression through content: Build a strong positive online presence - LinkedIn profile, professional website, authored content - to push felony results down in search rankings
Mugshot site removal: Address mugshot sites directly with removal requests (most have processes; some charge fees)
Aggregator outreach: Some legal aggregator sites will consider individual removal requests for older cases
Governor's pardon: A pardon does not expunge the record but can sometimes be leveraged in removal requests and shows rehabilitation

Most people in your position reach out right here.

You've already done the hard part - finding out what's out there. We handle the rest: every platform removal, Google de-indexing, background check database, and AI search result. No upfront cost. Completely confidential. Learn more about expungement vs. record sealing on our blog.

See What Can Be Done - Free or call us confidentially at 855-239-5322

The Difference Between Expungement and Suppression

Expungement is legal relief - it restricts or destroys the official record. Suppression is a reputation management strategy - it does not change the official record but reduces online visibility by removing data from third-party sources and improving what appears on page 1 of Google. Both can be valuable, and for many felony convictions, suppression may be the only realistic path in states with limited expungement. For more information, visit the BJA expungement.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can a felony be expunged?

Yes - in many states. Felony expungement has expanded significantly over the past decade. Michigan, Illinois, New Jersey, Ohio, California, and many other states allow expungement of at least some felony convictions after waiting periods. However, serious violent felonies, sexual offenses, and crimes against children are typically excluded everywhere. Your eligibility depends on the specific offense, your state, and how long ago you completed your sentence. An expungement attorney can evaluate your specific situation.

How long does a felony stay on your record?

Without expungement, a felony conviction stays in the public record indefinitely. There is no automatic expiration for criminal court records in the US. Background check services typically report felony convictions without a time limit (unlike the 7-year rule for misdemeanors, which doesn't apply to felonies in most employment contexts). A felony conviction can follow someone for decades online without active removal efforts.

Does a felony show on a background check forever?

For most employment purposes, yes - felony convictions can be reported indefinitely in background checks (unlike some misdemeanors, which fall under the FCRA's 7-year limit). Many states have 'ban the box' laws limiting when employers can ask about felonies, but the felony remains in records. Some states' expungement laws, once expungement is granted, prohibit disclosure in most employment contexts - making expungement the most effective way to limit felony background check impact.

Can I remove a felony from Google without expungement?

You cannot remove a felony from official court records without legal relief (expungement or sealing). However, you can reduce its online visibility through: (1) data broker opt-outs that remove the conviction from 50+ people-search sites, (2) suppression strategies that build positive content to push the felony result down in Google rankings, (3) individual removal requests to aggregator sites for older cases, and (4) mugshot site removal requests. These do not erase the court record but can significantly reduce how prominently it appears.

Will a felony affect me forever?

In practical terms, a felony affects different areas of life for different durations. Direct legal effects: some civil rights (voting, firearms) are affected and may require additional steps to restore. Employment: background checks reveal felonies indefinitely, though many employers - particularly after ban-the-box reforms - do evaluate context and rehabilitation. Online: without active removal efforts, felony records appear in Google searches indefinitely. Expungement, where available, is the most effective way to limit long-term impact.

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