§ 237

False imprisonment punishment

Up to 1 year+ Violence & Threats Ch. 8 · False Imprisonment and Human Trafficking

Official text prohibited actmental stateif conditionpenaltylegal term

(a) False imprisonment is punishable by a fine not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment in the county jail for not more than one year, or by both that fine and imprisonment. If the false imprisonment be effected by violence, menace, fraud, or deceit, it shall be punishable by imprisonment pursuant to subdivision (h) of Section 1170.

(b) False imprisonment of an elder or dependent adult by use of violence, menace, fraud, or deceit shall be punishable as described in subdivision (f) of Section 368.

History: Amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 15, Sec. 288. (AB 109) Effective April 4, 2011. Operative October 1, 2011, by Sec. 636 of Ch. 15, as amended by Stats. 2011, Ch. 39, Sec. 68.

Simplified explanation

False imprisonment is punishable by a fine up to $1,000 or up to one year in county jail, and by imprisonment under subdivision (h) of Section 1170 if done by violence, menace, fraud, or deceit.