New York legal term
Restrain in New York Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New York legislative session
In New York criminal law, “Restrain” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New York criminal code.
What does “Restrain” mean in New York criminal law?
"Restrain" means to restrict a person's movements intentionally and unlawfully in such manner as to interfere substantially with his liberty by moving him from one place to another, or by confining him either in the place where the restriction commences or in a place to which he has been moved, without consent and with knowledge that the restriction is unlawful. (N.Y. Penal Law § 135.00)
Statutes defining or using this term
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.