False imprisonment occurs when someone holds another person against that person's will. Learn about this criminal offense here.Per Penal Code section 237(a), false imprisonment is a misdemeanor if violence, deceit, fraud, or menace were not involved in the offense's commission. It is a complete defense, however, to a claim of false imprisonment if the defendant restrained or arrested the plaintiff with legal authority or justification. Transferred Intent​​ assault, 3. False imprisonment lawyers fight to protect their clients' civil rights and the integrity of the justice system as a whole. Learn more about these claims. False imprisonment or unlawful imprisonment occurs when a person intentionally restricts another person's movement within any area without legal authority. How Do Lawsuit Settlements Work? False imprisonment is an act punishable under criminal law as well as under tort law.