The short answer is no, being arrested is not the same as being imprisoned. Imprisonment occurs only after you have been found guilty (or plead guilty).The following lists the different levels of criminal charges that may pertain to you and what to expect after you have been arrested. What are the different types of arrests for? It may be in lieu of county jail time or in combination with some jail time. Most offenders are sentenced to California state prison for a set amount of time under the Determinate Sentencing Law (DSL). Imprisonment is usually incurred for more serious crimes (felonies) and detention or imprisonment is usually imposed pending a trial and sentence. A misdemeanor charge stems from what is considered a minor crime while a felony charge relates to more serious or major crimes. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through the entire process, from the moment of arrest to potential legal outcomes. Discover all the great programs we offer.