A false arrest is one way of committing false imprisonment. To prove false arrest, a person must prove three elements.False imprisonment is a felony that carries a sentence of 16 months, 2 years, or 3 years in a California state jail. A false arrest can be a civil rights violation resulting in legal consequences for the person or entity that acted unlawfully. Kidnapping or False Imprisonment - Riverside County Crime Lawyer. If convicted of felony-level false imprisonment, a defendant can be sentenced to up to three years in prison. 6. Criminal Defense for False Imprisonment Cases. The crime is a felony and invites severe sentences, including thirty-six months in prison and hefty court fines. As a Felony, you could face either 16 months, 2, or 3 years in State Prison. California Penal Code Section 237 lays out the penalties for false imprisonment.