Legal Definitions - mug shot

A mug shot is an official photograph taken by law enforcement authorities of an individual shortly after they have been arrested and formally processed. These photographs typically include a frontal view and sometimes a profile view of the person's face, serving as a visual record for identification purposes and as part of their arrest documentation.

• Imagine a situation where a person is arrested for a minor offense, such as public intoxication. After being taken to the police station, they undergo the standard booking procedure, which involves recording their personal information and fingerprints. As part of this process, a mug shot would be taken to create a visual record of their appearance at the time of arrest, which is then added to their official police file.

• Consider a high-profile case where a suspect is apprehended for a significant financial crime. Upon their arrest, they are transported to a detention facility. During the booking phase, before they are placed in a holding cell, a mug shot will be taken. This image might later be used by prosecutors, investigators, or even released to the public (depending on jurisdiction and policy) to aid in identification or to confirm the identity of the accused in court proceedings.

• Suppose an individual with an outstanding warrant for a previous felony offense is finally located and arrested after several months. Even if law enforcement had prior records of this person, a new mug shot would typically be taken during the booking process following their apprehension. This ensures that the police records are updated with their current appearance and provides a fresh photographic reference for their current arrest.