In its most general terms false imprisonment means that one individual, without authority, restricts the liberties of another person. This can include physical types of restraints or isolation without violence of physical restraint. Although most commonly people think of false imprisonment within a small space, it can include the threats or intimidation that keeps a person within even a larger space. In almost all cases of false imprisonment there will be someone assuming a position of authority that is not lawful, even in cases where patients, children or the elderly may be imprisoned for short or long periods of time by their caregivers. Kidnapping and other commissions of crimes when the person is a prisoner can up the charges from a misdemeanor to a felony
False Imprisonment Penalties
Since there are many different types of false imprisonment, including unlawful detainment of individuals by employers, police officers and others in position of authority there are several different penalties. Typically for private citizens that are not working as police officers or other people in positions of authority the charge is a felony offense that is punishable by jail time.
Possible Penalties
- Jail time
- Probation
- Fines
- Restitution
- Community service
- Court ordered counseling
False Imprisonment Sentencing
There are several factors that will influence sentencing with false imprisonment charges. Of course the time of the imprisonment as well as any other associated crimes or offenses committed against the captive will be an important factor. In cases where the captive was taken away from their home or residence against their will there may also be kidnapping charges added to the false imprisonment. An attorney can help you defend yourself against these types of cases and also help to get the sentence dropped or reduced.
Get Legal Help For False Imprisonment
Although typically these types of cases are misdemeanors, there are different situations that quickly bump them up into the felony level. Getting a criminal defense attorney involved early in the case is essential as felony charges can result in jail time as well as a permanent criminal record. False imprisonment is also a case that is commonly sued civilly, which is an important factor to consider in having the criminal charges minimized or dismissed.
- If you have been charged with False Imprisonment, Submit Your Case for a Free Review from a skilled Criminal Defense Attorney.
