Absent actual or threatened violence, false imprisonment is a usually a misdemeanor under California Penal Code §237. Charged with false imprisonment?You need aggressive defense. California PC 236 defines false imprisonment as unlawfully detaining or restraining someone without their consent, depriving them of their liberty. False imprisonment is a wobbler offense. This means that a prosecutor can charge you with a misdemeanor or felony. CalVCB processes claims from persons seeking compensation as an erroneously convicted felon pursuant to California Penal Code sections 4900 through 4906. The plaintiff in a false imprisonment action must prove that the defendant proximately caused the injuries for which the plaintiff seeks damages. David S. Chesley's law office has a team of defense attorneys that are known for their knowledge and experience in courthouses across California. California Penal Code § 236 PC defines false imprisonment as unlawfully restraining, detaining, or confining a person against his or her will.