Will My Mugshot & DUI Arrest Record Show Up Online?

As criminal defense lawyers one of the most common questions we get asked is whether a mugshot and arrest record for a DUI will show up online. The answer is sometimes yes, depending on the county, but it’s highly unlikely under most circumstances.

Multnomah County Mugshots

In Multnomah County, mugshots for DUI arrests can be posted on the Sheriff’s website. You can check this at Multnomah County Sheriff’s Office. However, for a mugshot to appear here, you must be arrested, transported, and booked into custody at the Multnomah County Detention Center. Mugshots taken at other locations, like police stations in Eugene or Salem, won’t end up on this site unless you are specifically booked into the Multnomah County facility. It’s also worth noting that DUI bookings at the detention center have become much less common, especially for misdemeanor charges. If your mugshot does make it online, it usually remains there for only three days.

Deschutes and Marion County Mugshots

In some counties, such as Deschutes, mugshots may appear in other online spaces, including social media. For instance, a local newspaper in Bend publishes mugshots obtained from the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office on a Facebook page dedicated to court and police news. The same scenario occurs in Salem, where Marion County mugshots are often shared on similar pages. Unfortunately, it’s unclear how long these images remain visible, but they can be damaging regardless.

Oregon Legislation on Mugshots

In 2019, Oregon passed legislation to curb the commercial exploitation of mugshots. This law prevents companies from posting mugshots online for financial gain, such as charging subjects fees for removal. However, this restriction doesn’t apply to news organizations, which are still legally allowed to publish mugshots.

Portland Arrest Records

Regarding arrest records, the Portland Police Department is the only agency in Multnomah County that posts these records online. Their website allows the public to check recent arrests and bookings. While anyone can access this information, one would need to specifically search for a name on the Portland Police Bureau’s website.

Court Records and Calendars

It’s also possible to find arrest records through court calendars, which are often posted online by various courts in Oregon, including those in Beaverton, Hillsboro, Lake Oswego, Salem, and Bend. While these records are accessible, someone would need to have a reason to look up your name or court case to find this information. Additionally, the Oregon Supreme Court website allows searches across multiple courts, though again, someone would need your exact name to find any records.

Your Information Out There on The Web

While your mugshot and arrest record for a DUI might be accessible online, the likelihood of this happening is relatively low unless someone is actively searching for it. Here’s a brief recap of the ways your information could appear online:

• Mugshots on Sheriff’s Websites: Typically only if booked into custody at certain jails, like the Multnomah County Detention Center.
• Third-Party Publications: News outlets and some social media pages may publish mugshots, especially in counties like Deschutes and Marion.
• Police Department Websites: Arrest records may be posted, as seen with the Portland Police Bureau.
• Court Calendars: Some court calendars are searchable online, though someone would need to know the specific court to look into.

If you’re concerned about your arrest record appearing online, it’s essential to stay informed and consult with a criminal defense attorney who can guide you through these complexities. For personalized legal advice and assistance, contact Gilroy Napoli Short Law Group. We’re here to help you navigate the challenges that come with a DUI arrest and protect your privacy.