DocketBird is a platform that provides access to federal court records, including case dockets and documents. While this transparency is beneficial for legal professionals, it can be problematic if sensitive or outdated information about you or your business is publicly accessible. Deleting information from DocketBird can be a complex process due to the public nature of court records, but it is possible through various technical and legal steps. This guide will walk you through the process of removing information from DocketBird.
Understanding DocketBird and Public Records
DocketBird aggregates court records from the Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER) system, making them searchable and accessible online. These records include information on civil, criminal, and bankruptcy cases. Because these records are public by nature, the process of removing information involves addressing both the source (the court records) and the aggregator (DocketBird).
Step-by-Step Guide to Removing Information from DocketBird
- Identify the Information:
- Locate the specific case or document on DocketBird that you want to remove.
- Note the case number, court, and any relevant details that will help in identifying the record.
- Request Court Records Sealing or Expungement:
- Sealing: Request the court to seal the record, making it inaccessible to the public. This is often possible for cases involving sensitive personal information or those that were dismissed.
- Expungement: In some jurisdictions, you can request expungement of certain records, which completely removes them from public access.
- Procedure: File a motion with the court that handled your case. You may need to provide a compelling reason, such as privacy concerns or the fact that the information is outdated or misleading.
- Obtain Legal Documentation:
- Once the court grants your request for sealing or expungement, obtain official documentation of the order.
- This documentation will be crucial when contacting DocketBird to request the removal of the information.
- Contact DocketBird:
- Visit the DocketBird website and locate their contact information or use their provided contact form.
- Compose a formal request for removal, including:
- Your full name and contact information.
- Detailed information about the case/document you want removed.
- A copy of the court order sealing or expunging the record.
- A clear explanation of why the information should be removed from their platform.
- Monitor the Request:
- Follow up with DocketBird to ensure that your request is being processed.
- Be prepared to provide additional information or documentation if requested.
- Request Search Engine De-Indexing:
- Even after DocketBird removes the information, it may still appear in search engine results.
- Use Google’s Remove Outdated Content tool to request de-indexing of the URL from search results.
- Submit the URLs of the removed DocketBird pages for de-indexing to ensure they no longer appear in search results.
- Another important way for you to distance DocketBird information from Google search is to work with Reputation return to boost other content, creat new content and suppress the DocketBird content.
Example Scenario
Imagine you are a professional who was involved in a lawsuit several years ago that was eventually dismissed. However, the case details remain accessible on DocketBird, potentially harming your reputation. You decide to take action by first filing a motion to seal the records with the court. After the court grants your request, you obtain the official order and contact DocketBird to request the removal of the case information, providing the necessary documentation. Finally, you use Google’s tool to ensure the information no longer appears in search results, effectively protecting your online reputation.
Legal Considerations
When dealing with legal records, it’s essential to understand that not all records are eligible for sealing or expungement. The criteria vary by jurisdiction and the nature of the case. Consulting with a lawyer can help you navigate this process more effectively and ensure that you meet all necessary legal requirements.
Technical Assistance
For those who may find the process overwhelming or time-consuming, professional services like Reputation Return can provide technical and legal assistance. These services specialize in online reputation management and can help streamline the process of removing sensitive information from platforms like DocketBird.
Removing information from DocketBird involves a combination of legal and technical steps. By identifying the specific information, requesting court records to be sealed or expunged, and contacting DocketBird with the appropriate documentation, you can effectively manage and remove sensitive information. Additionally, requesting search engine de-indexing ensures that the removed content does not appear in search results. For those seeking a more streamlined approach, professional services like Reputation Return can provide valuable assistance in navigating this complex process. Taking proactive steps to manage your online presence ensures that sensitive and potentially damaging information is kept out of the public eye.