For purposes of false imprisonment, "violence" means physical force greater than that reasonably necessary to restrain someone. "violence" means using physical force that is greater than the force reasonably necessary to restrain someone.Violence may include forms of domestic violence. Either of these offenses may be charged in a domestic violence case, depending on the circumstances. Penalties for False Imprisonment in San Jose. Pursuant to Penal Code Section 237, false imprisonment can be charged as a felony if it involved "violence, menace, fraud, or deceit. To fully understand these elements, you should know the meaning of various phrases as used in the statute. How can I defend against domestic violence charges in California? Yes, it is still possible to press charges for a domestic violence. Yes, it is still possible to press charges for a domestic violence.