Simply put, “imprison” is the act of detaining a person or persons against their will as a legal penalty. Since the 11th century, English Common Law has stipulated that the judge in a criminal case can impose imprisonment as a financial penalty for various offenses. When someone is “imprisoned”, they are typically held in a correctional facility, such as a jail or prison.
The legal implications of being imprisoned vary greatly and depend mostly on the crime committed. Generally speaking, imprisonment is used as a punishment with more serious offenses—such as murder, robbery, fraud, etc.—resulting in longer sentences. For instance, a person sentenced for bank robbery in the state of California may face over 10 years in a state prison after taking into account any accrued fines or other forms of reparation.
On the other hand, more minor offenses (such as traffic violations, shoplifting, and disorderly conduct) will generally only result in sentences of a few weeks. As such, imprison is usually seen as a more serious form of punishment than a fine, probation, or house arrest.
It is important to note that the implications of imprison can extend beyond the length of the sentence. A criminal record, increased difficulty finding employment, and the stigma of being a convicted felon are just a few of the long-term effects of imprisonment.
Conclusion
Imprisonment is a consequence of committing a crime and should not be taken lightly. When individuals are facing a possible sentence of imprisonment, it is best to consult with a lawyer familiar with the laws of the state where the crime was committed, to better understand the implications of being found guilty.