A false arrest is one way of committing false imprisonment. To prove false arrest, a person must prove three elements.The maximum sentence is four years if the victim was : False Imprisonment is the unlawful confinement of another without consent. False imprisonment is a felony that carries a sentence of 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in a California state jail. If you were charged with a crime, you can file a motion to exclude evidence obtained from the false arrest. Our knowledgeable attorneys offer professional legal advice and representation, with a focus on California's statutes about false incarceration. If you have been charged with false imprisonment, Chesley Lawyers identify defense strategies, and aggressively protect your rights in court if necessary. Section 236 of the California Penal Code defines false imprisonment as "the unlawful violation of the personal liberty of another. A policy violation is not filling out paperwork correctly.