The main difference between the two is that false arrest requires an arrest, but, false imprisonment only requires unlawful detention. False imprisonment occurs when one person unlawfully restricts another's freedom of movement.False arrest requires an arrest, but, false imprisonment only requires unlawful detention. The complaint charges them with false arrest, false imprisonment, and illegally strip searching the plaintiff. The plaintiff's claim in a warrantless false arrest lawsuit arose from a sheriff s deputy s visit to her house to check on the welfare of her daughter. False Imprisonment may be defined as an act of the defendant which causes the unlawful confinement of the plaintiff. False Imprisonment occurs when one person confines another person without that person's consent, with or without the use of force. False arrest becomes false imprisonment the moment the victim is taken into custody. NASCAR Sprint Cup driver Travis Kvapil is free on bond following his arrest on charges of assault and false imprisonment. To constitute a basis for liability.