Florida Criminal Law: How Is False Imprisonment Defined by Florida Statute?
Florida crimes are defined by statute and prosecuted by the State Attorney’s office in the area where the crime occurred. False imprisonment is a term that is often referenced as a civil issue, such as an employee suing because she was locked in a room by her employer. However, Florida actually defines the action as a crime.
False imprisonment is defined in Florida Statute 787.02(1) as the following:
1. Forcibly, by threat, or secretly confining, abducting, imprisoning, or restraining another person without legal authority against his/her will. (e.g. If a girl is grabbed while walking to her car and thrown into a vehicle of another.)
2. Confinement of a child under 13 years of age against his/her will without parental consent. (e.g. A child being placed in a locked basement by someone that is not the child’s parent or guardian.)
A criminal law attorney can assist you in understanding possible defenses if you have been charged with the crime of false imprisonment in Florida.
Michael A. Atter
Former Prosecutor
Keith L. Maynard
Former Assistant Public Defender
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