False imprisonment occurs when someone holds another person against that person's will. Learn about this criminal offense here.Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree is a New York criminal offense imposing harsh penalties on anyone who restrains another person. 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. The Division of Human Rights complaint form is available at the below link. You may use this form to file and submit your complaint online. Under our law, a person is guilty of Unlawful Imprisonment in the Second Degree when he or she restrains another person. A person is guilty of unlawful imprisonment in the second degree when he restrains another person. Making an apparently sworn false statement in the second degree is a class A misdemeanor. If you are convicted your sentence could include up to a year in jail.