For purposes of false imprisonment, "violence" means physical force greater than that reasonably necessary to restrain someone. Under this statute, false imprisonment is a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on whether you used force, violence, or menace to falsely imprison the victim.To violate someone's liberty means a sustained restriction of their freedom using violence, duress, fraud, or deceit. False imprisonment can occur without the use of violence or even force. Individuals can face this charge even if they do not harm anyone physically. False imprisonment is the act of restraining, detaining, or confining another person without their permission, usually through the use of violence or threat. In California, False Imprisonment is generally charged as a misdemeanor. What Are Some Examples? Misdemeanor false imprisonment applies in cases where the defendant did not use "violence, menace, fraud, or deceit. If you have a previous felony stalking conviction, you face up to five years in prison.