Separate from the criminal offense, Massachusetts courts also recognize civil actions for false imprisonment. Share. The plaintiff in a false imprisonment action must prove that the defendant proximately caused the injuries for which the plaintiff seeks damages.All other crimes are misdemeanors. Section 2 - False imprisonment; limitation on action. False imprisonment is an act punishable under criminal law as well as under tort law. Under tort law, it is classified as an intentional tort. The potential punishment for the crime of uttering under G.L. c. Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 269, Section 13A, punishes those who knowingly and intentionally make a false report of a crime to the police. In criminal law, a government prosecutor can bring criminal charges against a defendant for false imprisonment. Need help with False Imprisonment in Massachusetts?