Penal Code Section 236

California Penal Code Section 236 provides:

False imprisonment is the unlawful violation of the personal liberty of another.

Editors note: Penal Code Section 236 is punishable pursuant to Penal Code Section 237, which provides:

(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 in the state prison.

(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. [Amended by Stats. 1999, Ch. 706, Sec. 4. Effective October 10, 1999]