False imprisonment occurs when a person intentionally restrains another person without their consent or without legal authority to restrain them. It unfolds when an individual deliberately prevents another from leaving a particular space without their explicit consent.The elements of a False Imprisonment claim in Texas are: 1) willful detention; 2) without consent; and 3) without authority of law. Sec. 12.34. THIRD DEGREE FELONY PUNISHMENT. A person commits an offense if he intentionally or knowingly restrains another person. (b) It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section. Offense is third degree felony, although punishment is in the range for a second degree felony. The appeal process is complicated and difficult to navigate. Call our team of Texas criminal appeals lawyers for a FREE consultation. Section 20.02 of the Texas Penal Code defines false imprisonment, which is also referred to as unlawful restraint.