Penal Code Section 237

California Penal Code Section 237 applies to sentencing for a conviction of false imprisonment pursuant to Penal Code Section 236 and provides as follows:

(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]