SPECIFIC PENAL CODES LAW — CALIFORNIA
False Imprisonment in California — PC §236
False imprisonment under PC §236 is the unlawful violation of another person's personal liberty — restraining or confining someone without legal authority. It is a misdemeanor or wobbler and is commonly charged in domestic violence and human trafficking cases.
Reviewed by Daniel S. Rubin, CA Bar 302093 · Los Angeles Criminal Defense Attorney
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False Imprisonment California — At a Glance
- Law / Code
- PC §236 / PC §237
- Classification
- Misdemeanor / Wobbler (with violence or menace)
- Maximum Penalty
- Up to 1 year jail (misdemeanor) / 16 months–3 years (felony)
- Probation Eligible
- Yes
- Strike Offense
- No
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