Unlawful Imprisonment in the First Degree is a New York criminal offense imposing harsh penalties on anyone who restrains another person. A person commits false imprisonment when they engage in the act of restraint on another person which confines that person in a restricted area.Learn the difference between the tort and the crime of false imprisonment, the elements of a claim, and how it differs from false arrest and kidnapping. The main difference between the two is that false arrest requires an arrest, but, false imprisonment only requires unlawful detention. False imprisonment occurs when a person intentionally and illegally restrains another person's ability to move freely. If you are referring to the tort of false imprisonment, then the answer is yes. False imprisonment is a tort which finds it's place in IPC 339–348. In India, it comes under Torts. Call now for a free consultation or simply fill out a Case Intake Form -- and let one of our attorneys tell you if you have a case. Though mitigation of damages is an affirmative defense, see Instruction ), it is rarely a complete defense.