Section 143G: Persons detained for possible violation of Sec. 143F; defense to false imprisonment or false arrest action.Separate from the criminal offense, Massachusetts courts also recognize civil actions for false imprisonment. Section 2 - False imprisonment; limitation on action. Frivolous or vexatious litigation is when one party in a case files complaints and motions to harass or abuse the other party. Penalties: The potential punishment for the crime of uttering under G.L. c. False imprisonment is an intentional tort and that means you can sue for compensation. False imprisonment occurs when a person intentionally and illegally restrains another person's ability to move freely. Rule 3.1 directs the judicial officer to determine if there is probable cause to believe the person arrested committed an offense. To defend against simple assault charges based on false accusations, team up with your lawyer to devise an effective defense strategy.