First, you generally have two years from the date of the arrest to file a civil rights false arrest case in federal court. False imprisonment is an intentional tort and that means you can sue for compensation.Did police or security guards mistreat you or detain you without reasonable suspicion? Talk to Chicago false imprisonment lawyer Christopher Smith. If you are a victim of false imprisonment, contact our Chicago civil rights attorneys for a consultation today. If the defendants had probable cause to arrest Mr. Saunders, then no cause of action for wrongful arrest or imprisonment under § 1983 will lie. The existence of probable cause for arrest is an absolute defense against a claim for false arrest or imprisonment. The other six counts alleged battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and false imprisonment. The issue before us, as to each count, is whether a prima facie case was made out. The other six counts alleged battery, intentional infliction of emotional distress and false imprisonment.