Hart Powell, S.C. > Articles > Unlawful Imprisonment

Unlawful Imprisonment

Police officers and other law enforcement officials are allowed by law to detain individuals who are suspected of a crime, and are given such rights as long as they have “reasonable cause” to suspect the person may be guilty of illegal activity. Ordinary individuals who are not deputized officers may detain other people only under certain circumstances, or else they may face criminal charges of unlawful imprisonment.

Individuals may not be detained against their will, and persons attempting to prevent others from leaving of their own accord may be charged with a crime if they attempt to do so. Criminal charges like unlawful imprisonment can carry jail sentences, heavy fines, and probation if the person is found guilty. If you or someone you love is facing unlawful imprisonment charges, contact the Milwaukee criminal lawyers of Hart Powell, S.C. at (414) 271-9595.

Unlawful Imprisonment

Persons may be charged with unlawful imprisonment if they:

Physically prevent a person from leaving their property
Lock others in confined spaces
Prevent another person from leaving through trickery
Coerce another person to stay against their will
Force an individual to stay by using physical means of restraint

Individuals may occasionally detain others if they are assisting law enforcement efforts. In some cases, shopkeepers may hold an individual suspected of shoplifting. For the most part, however, it is usually against the law to restrict another person’s freedom and the act may carry criminal charges.

Contact Us

If you or someone you love has been charged with unlawful imprisonment of another person, contact the Milwaukee criminal defense attorneys of Hart Powell, S.C. at (414) 271-9595 to discuss your defense and secure the representation you deserve.

Federal Charges

State Charges

TESTIMONIALS

In the event you find yourself in a situation that requires a real-life super-hero legal team you need not look any further than Hart Powell, S.C., whose lawyers have helped generations of my family. In the late 80's early 90's my father was involved in a business that was very lucrative but very illegal. He was caught up and facing decades in Federal and State prison. I was very young at this time so I completely didn't understand what was going on, but when my mom, uncles, and other family members talked about my dad's situation they would always bring up one name, Marty Kohler. Marty was talked about in our house as if he was a "Saint." My mom would say stuff like, "Thank god for Marty". The Government tried to make an example of my father but there was one problem the Government had that they couldn't solve. The lawyers at Kohler & Hart (the predecessor to the firm now known as Hart Powell) were more than they could handle. Because of Kohler & Hart's expertise in the Criminal Justice System they were able to get a lot of evidence suppressed which ultimately helped my father down to a plea of 7 years, 4 in and 3 out, when he was facing over 30 years in prison to start. It was a master class of navigating through the system. Fast forward almost 35 years, I am the proud father of three sons. My oldest became a firefighter, and my middle and youngest both followed in his footsteps. In 2020 my oldest son was put in a position where he had to defend his life and, tragically, another soul lost theirs. My son was charged with homicide and, needing a lawyer for my son, I attempted to contact Marty hoping he was still practicing law. Sadly I was informed that he was now retired. So after reaching out to a friend I was told to contact Michael Hart. I called Mr. Harts office and scheduled a meeting with him the following business day. When my wife and I walked into the office, we knew you were walking into a serious law firm. I noticed some names on the wall. The names read Martin Kohler, Michael Hart, Craig Powell. I was immediately in shock because what where the odds of this being the Marty Kohler who helped my dad all those years ago. After speaking with Mr. Hart, I asked if Marty Kohler was still practicing law and he informed me that Marty was now retired. So I asked Mr. Hart if he knew of my father's case. He asked my father's name and once I told him who my father was, he immediately repeated the address of my childhood home. I just started crying because Mr. Hart was my father's co-counsel. It was at that moment I knew my son was in the best hands and we hired the Hart Powell S.C. Law firm to represent my son. Through this process Mr. Hart and his team treated us with the utmost respect. They were honest and straightforward with their professional opinions, never once promising us anything but assured us to trust the process. They were going to fight for my son as hard as they fought for my father. Mr. Hart was able to get my son's bail reduce to a reasonable number and ultimately to get a jury of my son's peers to find him not guilty on all charges by reason of self-defense. I cannot thank this man enough. He truly is a blessing and more important a master at his craft. In the event you find yourself in a situation that requires a real-life super-hero legal team you have no need to look any further.

- Solo A

★★★★★

Craig, with a professional, educated conscientious lawyer. He was prompt with returning phone calls, and communicating effectively. Craig was very patient and understanding while explaining things to us over and over as we were unfamiliar with the law. His prices were competitive. He was also very instrumental in helping us even after the case was over. I would refer Craig Powell to anyone that needs a good defense attorney.

- Ginger

★★★★★

Mr. Powell is the attorney you want to hire whenever you need a lawyer that cares and has your well being as the highest priority. He is smart, intelligent and puts his client first. He did a wonderful job for me and I highly recommend him.

- William

★★★★★

The legal representation provided by Mr Powell was honest, realistic but most of all it was his integrity which kept my case alive throughout the nearly 3 years before and after my sentencing. Craig could have easily ignored my calls and e-mails which I sent from prison but instead he kept fighting my case through until I received an additional time cut. It was his continued effort that got me out early and helped me get my life back and for that I am forever grateful. After hearing some of the horror stories it is clear to me how lucky I was to have Mr. Powell fighting for me in my corner and I recommend him to anyone who may be facing a tough uphill court battle. My case was historic and if there was something he was unsure about he was honest and realistic about it. Craig is not an attorney that will leave you high and dry, He will fight your case through until it's completely over. To me that's more important than anything.

- Paul

★★★★★

It was my 2nd OWI and I was accused of other things as well. Craig provided awesome explanations and defense on my case. Many charges were dropped / reduced. Really worth the money. Saved me a lot of time and hassle. Extremely professional and willing to help even past the trial date.

- Anonymous

★★★★★

The people at Hart Powell, SC are fantastic. Great to work with, start to finish, and I highly recommend them. If you need the best attorneys to help, you can't get better.

- Timothy

★★★★★

The best of the best. I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done for our family. We are in a better place because of them. True professionals.

- Justin

★★★★★

Excellent attorneys! Craig Powell is great with communication, and he provided solid legal advice - very savvy!

- Eric

★★★★★

Hands down the most professional firm I could have ever hoped to have represent me...trust them with my life

- Peter

★★★★★

I cannot say enough about the team at Hart Powell, they have taken great care in every aspect of business that we have done with them. When all hope was lost, they have come through. Their vast knowledge and ability to come up with out of the box solutions to very difficult problems has proven invaluable to us. If google would allow me to give them more stars, I would, and I would personally recommended this group for any of your legal needs!

- Mike

★★★★★

The talented lawyers at Hart Powell have represented me and my family in a number of matters over 30 years. I trust all of them with my life and the lives of the people I care most about.

- Rodney

★★★★★

Attorney Michael Hart, is a person who is there to help when you need it the most. This past summer I worked with Mr. Hart and the experience was nothing short of perfect. He was able to assure me that he would do everything in his power to defend me and the results don't lie! Attorney Michael Hart is truly a life-saver and his services are worth every penny.

- Patrick A

★★★★★

I've interacted with both Michael Hart and Craig Powell for my legal cases, but I mostly dealt with Craig. I was facing almost 6 years for my revocation plus a separate class B felony in criminal court which carries up to 60 years. This was all over a proven false allegation made by someone close to me. Craig helped me win my revocation and get my criminal charge dismissed. Michael and Craig are two of the most intelligent lawyers I've ever met and they genuinely care about your situation. Thank you guys so much, y'all saved my life.

- Michael

★★★★★

Michael Hart takes the time to listen and provide the professional guidance you need. His dedication, support and expertise make him an outstanding attorney and one you want on your side.

- Jennifer Kern

★★★★★

Attorney Michael Hart has not only been a friend of mine for years now but is also someone I can count on with anything. He is an honest, upfront man and the only one you could ever want to represent you. It’s no question there is no other attorney you would ever want on your side!

- Chris Mcgauran

★★★★★

Looking for a lawyer who has your best interest, who will fight for you and genuinely cares..then look no further..Attorney Powell is the best. Highly recommend!

- Will D

★★★★★

I have nothing but amazing things to say about these attorneys. They are very professional, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. Highly recommend them!

- Haley Haddad

★★★★★

I'm very comfortable saying this is the best group of attorney's I've ever worked with. Honest, reliable and just easy to work with overall. If you are looking for strong legal advice and support from a reputable group of attorneys, I'd strongly recommend reaching out to them.

- Erik LaSeure

★★★★★

- Mike Cannell

★★★★★

Mike Hart has a commanding presence in the courtroom. When he walks in, people notice. When he speaks, people listen.

- Patricia Bradford

★★★★★

I've worked with Craig Powell on 2 cases. Both achieved a better than expected outcome but what really stuck out to me was that after I was incarcerated, Craig remained engaged with my case and secured an earlier than expected release date for me when he could have very easily ignored and moved on to the next. For this reason he was the first person I called next time I needed an attorney. The case was recently resolved and I couldn't have asked for a better outcome.

- Paul Engstrom

★★★★★

While faced with revocation, I consulted several attorneys & wasn't impressed or confident in their proposals. Thankfully I followed my instincts & passed on them, because a friend then referred attorney Geoffrey Misfeldt to me so I called Hart Powell, S.C. to see what he had to say. I can honestly say that after just one conversation with Geoff, I felt relief for the first time in months. In just a couple days he put together a stellar defense and his efforts continuously went above & beyond anything I could have expected. Geoff Misfeldt relentlessly fought my case for 2 years, and I am home with my family today because of it. That in itself is a win & would justify a glowing recommendation on it's own, but he wasn't finished. He then went right back at them, and won a 6 figure settlement for me in a civil suit. He's the M.A.N.... That's all there is to it

- Drjay

★★★★★

Attorney Michael Hart is an upfront and honest attorney who delivers. The only lawyer I would recommend to family and friends.

- Drew Nelson

★★★★★

Hands down the most professional firm I could have ever hoped to have represent me...trust them with my life

- Peter Balestrieri

★★★★★

The people at Hart Powell, SC are fantastic. Great to work with, start to finish, and I highly recommend them. If you need the best attorneys to help, you can't get better.

- Timothy Meyerring (Timo)

★★★★★

Written by Michael Hart & Craig Powell

Last Updated : January 14, 2016