What Qualifies as False Arrest in Maryland? A false arrest is an arrest that is made without a warrant, or without probable cause.Under Maryland law, false imprisonment is generally defined as unlawfully detaining another person against his or her will. In order to establish a false arrest claim, the person detained must prove that the arrest is unlawful and such unlawful arrest resulted in injury. The State Fire Marshal or a full-time investigative and inspection assistant of the Office of the State Fire Marshal may arrest a person without a warrant. A police officer without a warrant may arrest a person if the police officer has probable cause to believe: (1) that the person has committed a crime. Warrantless Arrest for Commission of Specified Crimes. Location of another without the person's knowledge or consent. 1: Fill out the Petition at the office of the District Court Commissioner in your county.