Originally Posted by
jfulcher
A private party can't hold you without placing you under citizens arrest (which would place the business lined up for potential lawsuit) - except in the state of NC where a private person can detain you if they suspect you of a felony.
This very much meets the exact definition of false imprisonment.
absolutely not true...if i am a shop keeper and i suspect you pocketed a twix bar i have every legal right to take you in the back and question you before calling authorities. i do not, however, have the right to hold you for a substantial period of time without cause. only the worst ambulance chasing attorney would side with the people in the dave and buster situation. a half hour of questioning to possibly find a missing child would most definitely fall under reasonable detainment. a citizens arrest is only permitted if a felony has taken place. you cannot arrest someone for jaywalking. false imprisonment is a misdemeanor so citizens arrest does not apply.