Online mug shots are an exploding phenomenon. If you get arrested, your mug shot can show up on a lot of these sites. You can pay to get your mug shot pulled, but erasing it from every web site is very difficult.
A mug shot doesn't tell the whole story. Were you convicted? Was it a mistake? Mary-Stokes Reiss is a professional, and says she is terrified that her mug shot will be her first introduction to a potential new employer.
"My mug shot was right there," said Mary-Stokes Reiss.
Reiss is in her 20s and has a whole lot of job hunting ahead of her.
"It's embarrassing. Reputation is everything," said Reiss.
How did her mug shot end up on the internet? She's in outside sales and was headed to an appointment when she got pulled over by police for speeding.
"He says, 'Ma'am, I need you to step out of the car,'" said Reiss.
She says she had no idea that her license had been suspended for paying a ticket a few days late.
"Now I'm in this situation. I'm in the back of a cop car, handcuffed," Reiss said.
After 12-hours in lock-up, Mary-Stokes got out and got a lawyer. The charges sorted out, but then got another big surprise.
"I'm applying for new jobs. Just decided to Google myself, just to see what was showing up," said Reiss.
She found her mug shot. Frantic, she says, she paid several hundred dollars to have it removed from one mug shot site. Then, it popped up again on another one. She says they too wanted money to remove the record of this one crazy day she'd like to forget.
It felt endless. How did a speeding ticket turn into an online war to save her reputation? The I-Team took her situation to the head of a big company. A hiring expert says Reiss does need to control this, but, first she says, take a deep breath. Bad things happen to good people.
"Don't be hard on yourself," said Amy Gallagher of UHY Advisors.
Gallagher says she's seen potential hires' mug shots before she's actually seen them in person. But, she says - depending on the crime - it doesn't have the impact that you might think.
"First and foremost are the qualifications on the resume," said Gallagher.
But, if like Reiss you land in the pages of a criminal yearbook, she says you can't ignore the problem. She advises be honest on your application, but also don't bring it up in an interview unless they do.
"I guess I'll disclose it when I have to and just hope it won't be a deciding factor," said Reiss.
Reiss paid about $450 to have her mug shot removed. But there are still remnants of it left on the Internet that will may never go away.
Monday, June 17 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-06-17 12:03:25 GMT
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
We all get excited about leaving town and going on vacation, so we tend to tell everyone about it. But, a word of caution before spreading the good news.
Monday, June 17 2013 7:13 AM EDT2013-06-17 11:13:04 GMT
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the FTC has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off on its strong health claims.
Pomegranate juice has been sold as a real 'cure-all' over the last couple of years. But in a decision made this month, the Federal Trade Commission has ordered at least one manufacturer to back off some pretty strong health claims.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-06-14 12:56:09 GMT
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Thursday, June 13 2013 3:29 PM EDT2013-06-13 19:29:22 GMT
A man once hailed as a military hero was arrested on Wednesday. Former Holly Springs Police Officer Shane Ladner is accused of tricking people into thinking that he received a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
A man once hailed as a military hero was arrested on Wednesday. Former Holly Springs Police Officer Shane Ladner is accused of tricking people into thinking that he received a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 11:36 PM EDT2013-06-13 03:36:50 GMT
Tonight at 10, FOX 5 I-Team reporter Randy Travis shows how long it took a local sheriff to finally arrest a repeat horse abuser – even after state inspectors had spent years trying to stop the abuse!
Tonight at 10, FOX 5 I-Team reporter Randy Travis shows how long it took a local sheriff to finally arrest a repeat horse abuser – even after state inspectors had spent years trying to stop the abuse!
Wednesday, June 12 2013 9:07 AM EDT2013-06-12 13:07:42 GMT
You may have noticed – or, at least heard – that mortgage rates are starting to inch up again. The I-Team's Dana Fowle is here to help you understand what this change means for home buyers right now.
You may have noticed – or, at least heard – that mortgage rates are starting to inch up again. The I-Team's Dana Fowle is here to help you understand what this change means for home buyers right now.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 6:59 AM EDT2013-06-12 10:59:03 GMT
The Better Business Bureau always takes a look back at the previous year, and compiles its top 10 scams list.
The Better Business Bureau always takes a look back at the previous year, and compiles its top 10 scams list. According to the I-Team, the list are schemes that have been around as long as the BBB, 100 years. The only thing different is the technology.
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:56 AM EDT2013-06-18 09:56:03 GMT
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Here's how!
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Good Day Atlanta goes to the pros for answers!
Monday, June 17 2013 10:08 AM EDT2013-06-17 14:08:03 GMT
Now, it's time to get ‘phine' – and, yes, that's with a ‘P-H.' Fitness trainer Apollo Nida is here to help you get those arms and legs in tip-top shape for summer!
Now, it's time to get ‘phine' – and, yes, that's with a ‘P-H.' Fitness trainer Apollo Nida is here to help you get those arms and legs in tip-top shape for summer!
Tuesday, June 18 2013 5:56 AM EDT2013-06-18 09:56:03 GMT
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Here's how!
Eager to cash in on the recent run of good news about the Stock Market, but you don't know how to get started? Good Day Atlanta goes to the pros for answers!
Monday, June 17 2013 12:05 AM EDT2013-06-17 04:05:45 GMT
The loyalty cards on customer's key chains may be going out of fashion making way for the loyalty apps. There is a new one that has hit Atlanta called Front Flip.
The loyalty cards on customer's key chains may be going out of fashion making way for the loyalty apps. There is a new one that has hit Atlanta called Front Flip.
Friday, June 14 2013 8:56 AM EDT2013-06-14 12:56:09 GMT
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Retailers got the go-ahead to pass along some extra charges to you, but not without some rules attached. You might not have noticed them just yet, but you should be on the lookout.
Thursday, June 13 2013 7:16 AM EDT2013-06-13 11:16:10 GMT
You might think saving the environment has to cost a lot of money. But, Good Day Atlanta's Tacoma Perry found way to go green and save green at the same time.
You might think saving the environment has to cost a lot of money. But, Good Day Atlanta's Tacoma Perry found way to go green and save green at the same time.
Wednesday, June 12 2013 10:07 AM EDT2013-06-12 14:07:03 GMT
Earlier this year, FOX's Steve Noviello brought you some of the coolest new gadgets around from the Consumer Electronics Show. So which ones made the cut?
Earlier this year, FOX's Steve Noviello brought you some of the coolest new gadgets around from the Consumer Electronics Show. So which ones made the cut? He joined Good Day to tell us which ones are hitting store shelves near you.
Tuesday, June 11 2013 8:03 AM EDT2013-06-11 12:03:28 GMT
According to The Brookings Institute, Atlanta's suburbs are the most impoverished areas in the country, but one agency continues to be the place where families can find help.
According to The Brookings Institute, Atlanta's suburbs are the most impoverished areas in the country, but one agency continues to be the place where families can find help.
