What is the statute of limitations for a civil false-imprisonment claim against a security guard in California?
Explanation
CCP §340(c) sets a ONE-year statute of limitations for false imprisonment, along with libel and slander. The clock generally runs from the date the cause of action accrues — typically the date of the wrongful act — and tolling rules apply for minors, mental incapacity, and a defendant absent from the state. Do not extend the one-year rule to every intentional tort: ASSAULT AND BATTERY are TWO years under CCP §335.1, as are ordinary personal-injury negligence claims and Bane Act claims. Because a single incident often produces both a one-year and a two-year claim, guards should preserve incident reports, video, and notes for at least two years.
Law Reference: Cal. Code of Civil Procedure §340(c); §335.1This topic, taught in full in the California Guard Card (BSIS Security Guard) guide. California Guard Card — Complete Study Guide (2026) — PDF + EPUB, $9.99 · 14-day refund →
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