In New York, a private person or a police officer commits the tort of false imprisonment or false arrest when they detain someone without legal authority. False imprisonment occurs when someone holds another person against that person's will.Learn about this criminal offense here. Are there weapons involved? If it is proven in court that they knowingly made the false statements, they could face the misdemeanor charge of filing a false report. If you have been arrested or imprisoned wrongly, contact a law firm that specializes in false arrest immediately. Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree is a New York criminal offense imposing harsh penalties on anyone who restrains another person. Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree is a New York criminal offense imposing harsh penalties on anyone who restrains another person. I am Peter Katz, an experienced gun crimes defense attorney. Officers are NOT required to arrest each person in dual complaint situations.