California Penal Code 236 – False Imprisonment is an offense that occurs when someone intentionally and unlawfully restrains, detains, or confines another person against their will. If you’ve been charged with false imprisonment, you could be facing severe penalties, especially since this offense can be considered a felony in most situations.
At a time like this, you need an attorney with a deep understanding of the California Penal Codes who can build a strong defense case on your behalf and work hard to protect your freedom and future.
At Los Angeles DUI Lawyer, we have been connecting people with skilled and experienced defense lawyers for nearly two decades. Contact us today to discuss your case, learn your legal options, and get in touch with quality legal representation.
What Qualifies as a CA Penal Code 236 – False Imprisonment Offense?
If you’ve been charged under CA Penal Code 236 – False Imprisonment, you should understand the charges you’re facing. A skilled criminal defense attorney can explain your charges and answer any questions you have about the legal process.
Under Penal Code 236, false imprisonment is defined as the unlawful violation of the personal liberty of another person. To be charged with this offense, you don’t need to use weapons, physical restraints, or another form of force to violate another’s personal liberty.
In fact, simply blocking someone from exiting a building or using intimidation to stop them from leaving a location can be considered an offense under this law.
Examples of False Imprisonment
As mentioned above, false imprisonment can take many forms and doesn’t necessarily have to involve physical force. To further understand the charges you’re facing, consider the following examples of offenses that fall under CA Penal Code 236 – false imprisonment:
- Grabbing someone’s arm to prevent them from leaving a room
- Standing in front of a doorway to keep someone from exiting a building
- Locking someone in a vehicle without their consent
- Forcing someone to stay somewhere by using verbal threats
- Using a weapon or physical force to prevent someone from leaving an area
If you’ve been arrested for one of these offenses or another act of false imprisonment, you could be facing serious misdemeanor or felony charges. At this time, it’s in your best interest to get in touch with a criminal defense lawyer and discuss your legal options. An attorney can protect your rights and fight to get your charges reduced to a lesser offense.
How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You
If you’ve been accused of false imprisonment under CA Penal Code 236, it’s recommended that you hire a trusted attorney and get started on your defense case soon. A lawyer will educate you on your rights, explain the legal process, and take the following steps to shield you from a life-altering conviction:
- Investigate your alleged offense.
- Gather police reports, surveillance footage, witness statements, and other forms of evidence.
- Use evidence to build a compelling defense strategy.
- Argue that you had consent from the plaintiff, didn’t intend to imprison the defendant, were acting in self-defense, or otherwise not guilty of a CA Penal Code 236 offense.
- Negotiate with prosecutors to get your charges reduced.
- Represent you at trial and present compelling evidence to the jury.
- Keep you updated on your case throughout the process and remain available to answer your questions.
Taking these steps after a misdemeanor or felony false imprisonment charge couldn’t be more important to your future. That said, only a skilled lawyer can complete these actions properly, within the boundaries of the law, and in a timely manner. To get the diligent and efficient assistance you need to fight your charges, hire a lawyer as soon as possible.
Penalties a Dedicated Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Protect You From
If convicted of false imprisonment under CA Penal Code 236, you could suffer several devastating consequences that impact your career, finances, and future. Depending on the severity of your offense, a conviction could lead to any of the following outcomes:
- Time in county jail
- Fines
- Probation
If you are charged with felony false imprisonment, your jail time, fines, and probation will likely be more severe than if your offense were considered a misdemeanor. A felony charge can also be grounds for a strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.
These outcomes can seriously disrupt your life, making it critical for you to find a capable attorney who has experience with cases like yours. A lawyer will work tirelessly to shield you from the worst consequences.
Get Connected With a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Los Angeles
False imprisonment is a serious allegation that can lead to jail time and permanent damage to your reputation. To avoid potentially life-altering legal outcomes, you must hire a skilled criminal defense attorney and take the legal process seriously.
For help with this crucial task, reach out to Los Angeles DUI Lawyer. We’ll put you in touch with an attorney who has what it takes to properly investigate your offense, gather evidence that makes a difference during negotiations and legal proceedings, and ultimately safeguard your freedom and future.
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