The main difference between the two is that false arrest requires an arrest, but, false imprisonment only requires unlawful detention. Fill out the complaint form, answering all of the questions completely.Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree is a New York criminal offense imposing harsh penalties on anyone who restrains another person. Wrongful imprisonment is an unlawful restraint of an individual and can cause psychological and physical damages. Justification for the arrest must exist at the time of the arrest. Black's Law Dictionary defines false imprisonment as "A restraint of a person in a bounded area without justification or consent. How Do You Prove False Imprisonment? If these two requirements are met, the defendant will need to fill out and submit an Application for Review. United States District Court, E.D. New York. Rudi RIVAS, Plaintiff,. v.