False Arrest Legal Meaning and Definition

Here is a simplified definition of the legal term False Arrest.

False Arrest (noun): This is an illegal action where an individual, usually a law enforcement officer or private security, wrongfully detains another person without proper legal authority or valid reason. A false arrest can occur in various scenarios such as when an officer arrests the wrong person, lacks probable cause, does not have an arrest warrant, or a private person makes a citizen's arrest without witnessing the crime. If a false arrest is proven to be intentional, it becomes a crime and can be grounds for a lawsuit for damages.