Suburban Law Enforcement Academy (SLEA) BA State Certification Practice Exam

If Max locks Cindy in the bathroom during an argument, what can he be charged with?

1. Assault

2. Unlawful restraint

3. Domestic violence

4. Confinement

The correct answer is: Unlawful restraint

The correct answer is unlawful restraint because this action involves restricting someone’s freedom of movement without their consent. Locking Cindy in the bathroom constitutes an act of physically restricting her from leaving, which directly aligns with the legal definition of unlawful restraint. This charge is specifically meant to address situations where an individual is kept confined against their will, regardless of the nature of the relationship between the individuals involved. While assault, domestic violence, and confinement might seem relevant, they do not accurately encapsulate the specific act of locking someone in a confined space. Assault involves the intention to cause physical harm or the fear of such harm, while domestic violence encompasses a broader range of abusive behaviors within a domestic setting, including physical, emotional, or psychological abuse. Confinement, on the other hand, is a more general term and is not typically used as a standalone legal charge in this context. Therefore, unlawful restraint most accurately describes Max's actions in this situation.