Legal Definitions - imprison

To imprison means to confine or physically restrict one’s personal liberty, usually in a jail or prison. This happens when someone breaks the law and is found guilty of a crime.

For example, in New York, if someone commits a Class A felony like murder, they could be sentenced to life imprisonment. If someone commits a Class E felony like theft, they could be sentenced to up to four years in prison. Even juvenile offenders who commit serious crimes like arson or kidnapping can be sentenced to at least twelve years in prison.

These examples show how imprisonment is a punishment for breaking the law. It means that the person who committed the crime has to give up their freedom and live in a confined space for a certain amount of time.