False imprisonment is regarded as the unlawful detention of another individual against their will. The threat of bodily injury often accompanies it. It imposes unreasonable duress on the victim. False imprisonment is often enforced with physical barriers. While one of the more common cases is initiated by a false arrest, any action restricting another person’s freedom of movement—such as locking someone in a car or room—can be considered false imprisonment. The unlawful detention can be tried as a crime or intentional tort. The difference is that a crime carries imprisonment as a penalty. In contrast, an intentional tort is a civil offense that results in monetary damages. In some cases, false imprisonment can be tried as both. If you were unlawfully held against your will, either by a regular person or the police, call our Fort Worth false Imprisonment attorneys today.
Being imprisoned without your consent can be an incredibly traumatic experience. Not only can you suffer physical damages while being forcibly confined to a potentially small or otherwise inhospitable space, but the additional psychological consequences of such a violation can be very damaging.
At The Benton Law Firm, our Fort Worth false imprisonment attorneys believe that those who maliciously infringe on the personal liberty of others deserve to be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law. Contact us today for a free evaluation of your case.
Penalties for False Imprisonment
To be considered false imprisonment, the captivity must have included the unlawful restraint of another against their will and without legal justification. Considering this, a person held against their consent by law enforcement because they were suspected of committing a crime would not have been falsely imprisoned. Otherwise, the penalties for false imprisonment can include the following:
- Misdemeanor: jail time for up to one year; a maximum fine of $1,000; probation
- Felony: jail time for up to twenty years; a fine of $10,000 or more; probation
Felony charges for false imprisonment may be increased if the threat of violence is used. Felony charges may also apply if the imprisonment includes the detention of a child. If the imprisonment you being transported against your will, the crime would be elevated to a kidnapping charge.
Contact a False Imprisonment Lawyer in Fort Worth
At The Benton Law Firm, our legal team has the knowledge to present an aggressive case against the party that imprisoned you against your will. If you have been a victim of false imprisonment, don’t hesitate to contact our Fort Worth offices at (817) 935-8000 for support and guidance in your case. You can also visit our Fort Worth page to learn more about our personal injury practice areas.