The main difference between the two is that false arrest requires an arrest, but, false imprisonment only requires unlawful detention. False imprisonment occurs when one person unlawfully restricts another's freedom of movement.Wrongful arrest, also commonly referred to as false arrest, is a contentious and broad topic. False arrest requires an arrest, but, false imprisonment only requires unlawful detention. Attorneys explain the crime of "false imprisonment" under Florida Statute 787.02 in Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL. False arrest is also referred to as false imprisonment and is generally considered a misdemeanor offense. The only distinction lies in the manner in which they arise. False arrest is merely one means of committing a false imprisonment. False imprisonment is a "lesser included" offense of kidnapping. False arrest, a term often used interchangeably with wrongful arrest, can lead to an additional charge of false imprisonment.