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).Imprisonment is usually incurred for more serious crimes (felonies) and detention or imprisonment is usually imposed pending a trial and sentence. Jail is usually for people who are awaiting trial, while prison is for those who have been convicted of a crime. Yes, you were imprisoned. Being sentenced to confinement, whether it be prison or county jail is considered "imprisonment". When a crime is committed in a police officer's presence an officer may arrest a suspect on the spot without an arrest warrant. This article will discuss the arrest, booking and bail process here in California. When police arrest you, first you will be taken to jail. Thereafter, however, a number of things can happen.