eric g johnson law
Experienced Criminal Defense
318-377-1555
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Attorneys
      • Eric G. Johnson
      • Rachel W. Bays
      • Staff
    • Client Testimonials
  • Cases We Handle
    • Criminal Defense
    • Drug Offenses
      • Drug Possession
      • Drug Trafficking & Distribution
      • Prescription Drug Crimes
      • Drug Court Representation
    • DUI/DWI
      • DUI Defense Strategies
      • Commercial Driver License (CDL) DUI
      • Refusing DUI Tests
      • Underage DWI
      • Vehicular Homicide
    • Property & Theft Crimes
      • Theft
      • Robbery
      • Burglary
      • Trespassing
      • Shoplifting
      • Credit Card Fraud
      • Identity Theft
      • Welfare Fraud
    • Sex Offenses
      • Sexual Battery
      • Carnal Knowledge of a Juvenile
      • Child Pornography
      • Online Solicitation of a Minor
      • Prostitution
      • Video Voyeurism
    • Federal Crimes
      • Federal Criminal Defense
      • Federal Computer Crimes
    • Traffic & Driving Offenses
      • Driving Without a License
      • Vehicular Manslaughter
      • Hit and Run
    • Violent Crimes
      • Murder
      • Manslaughter
      • Assault and Battery
      • Protective Orders
      • Domestic Violence
      • Weapon Offenses
      • Stalking
    • White Collar Crimes
      • Embezzlement
      • Money Laundering
      • Tax Fraud and Evasion
      • Counterfeiting
      • Money and Asset Forfeiture
    • Other Criminal Matters
      • Appeals & Post-Conviction Relief
      • Arson and Criminal Mischief
      • False Imprisonment
      • Resisting an Officer
      • Violation of Probation
      • Juvenile Offenses
      • Criminal Appeals
      • Post-Conviction Relief
      • Criminal Expungement
        • Louisiana Expungement Laws
  • Areas We Serve
    • Shreveport, LA
      • Drug Defense Attorney
      • Domestic Violence
      • DWI Lawyer
      • BUI Lawyer
      • Traffic Offenses Lawyer
      • Theft Lawyer
      • Marijuana Possession Lawyer
    • Monroe, LA
      • Drug Defense Lawyer
      • DWI Lawyer
      • Sex Offense Attorney
      • DUI Lawyer
    • Ruston, LA
      • Drug Defense Attorney
    • Tallulah, LA
    • Louisiana Parishes
      • Bossier Parish
      • Caddo Parish
      • Claiborne Parish
      • Bienville Parish
      • De Soto Parish
      • Lincoln Parish
      • Ouachita Parish
      • Natchitoches Parish
      • Sabine Parish
      • Webster Parish
  • Recent Cases
  • Blog
    • FAQ
  • Contact Us

Call Us | 318-377-1555

Fill Out The Form Below for a Free Consultation

Louisiana False Imprisonment Attorney

Call Us | 318-377-1555

False Imprisonment Attorney in Shreveport, Bossier City, Monroe, & Ruston, LA

Terms like false imprisonment and kidnapping are often used in the same context, especially on television dramas or late-night news broadcasts, making them familiar terms to most of us. While they can sound like the same offense, they’re two of the most commonly confused legal terms. While elements of these two crimes are similar, false imprisonment is distinctly different from a kidnapping.

Often times, offenders charged with false imprisonment have not intentionally or willfully committed a crime. A critical distinction is that it doesn’t depend on intent. A qualified and experienced criminal defense lawyer in Louisiana can help defend clients accused of false imprisonment so they’re not punished for committing an otherwise innocuous crime.

false imprisonment

What is False Imprisonment?

Louisiana state statutes defines the crime of False Imprisonment as the following:

“A. False imprisonment is the intentional confinement or detention of another, without his consent and without proper legal authority.

  1. Whoever commits the crime of false imprisonment shall be fined not more than two hundred dollars, or imprisoned for not more than six months, or both.”

There is an adjacent statute, 14:46.1, which is the same crime only with an enhancement of using a deadly weapon in the commission of false imprisonment. While false imprisonment is similar to kidnapping, it’s important to note the distinction.

False Imprisonment vs. Kidnapping

Kidnapping is very similar to false imprisonment but there are some differences between the two charges. According to Louisiana state statutes, kidnapping is defined as the following:

“The intentional and forcible seizing and carrying of any person from one place to another without his (or her) consent. Whoever commits the crime of simple kidnapping shall be fined not more than five thousand dollars, imprisoned with or without hard labor for not more than five years, or both.”

While similar, the key distinction here is the movement of the victim from one place to another. It’s important to note the difference. If this still seems unclear, the following examples illustrate both crimes in a real-world context.

  • False Imprisonment: Two people share an apartment. They get into an argument. One of them wants to leave the apartment, but the other stands in front of the door and refuses to let them go. This is false imprisonment.
  • Kidnapping: Using force, coercion, or other means, one of the roommates restrains the other and transports them from that location to someplace else. This happens after the first roommate tells the other that in order to be freed from their custody, they have to provide full access to their financial accounts.

The key distinction is that false imprisonment does not involve the moving of another person, and it doesn’t necessarily involve the threat of force or coercion to extract something of value. Kidnapping can be expressed through the following equations:

  1. False Imprisonment + Involuntary moving of victim = Kidnapping 
  2. False imprisonment + commission of another crime dependent upon the false imprisonment = Kidnapping

These subtle differences alter the entire dynamic of the crime. While false imprisonment carries different punishments, it’s still a serious crime and requires the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney in Louisiana.

Let Us Defend You Against False Imprisonment Charges

Louisiana False Imprisonment attorney Eric Johnson of the John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm has more than 27 years of experience defending those accused in state and federal criminal cases. False imprisonment is a charge that demands a proper defense. We have tirelessly fought for clients facing these charges in the past, and we can fight on your behalf as well. 

We have the know-how and the confidence to give you the legal defense you deserve. Let our experienced team fight for you in court. To schedule a free case review, call us at 24/7 at 318-377-1555 or complete our online contact form today.

Attention: While this website provides general information, it does not constitute legal advice
John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
Facebook
LinkedIn
Yelp

John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
Office: 318-377-1555 | Fax: 318-377-1559
national association of criminal defense lawyers
lsba
criminal defense attorney louisiana
2018 top rated lawyer

John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC
415 Main Street,
Minden, LA 71055

Areas Served: 
 Serving the entire State of Louisiana including Minden, Ruston, Monroe, Shreveport, Bossier City, as well as Caddo, Webster, and Ouachita parishes.
Ⓒ 2025 John D. & Eric G. Johnson Law Firm, LLC. Disclaimer Privacy Policy. Legal Website Powered by Market My Market