Excessive Force in Use of a Taser

Police Abuse Defense Attorney

A Taser can be used in dart mode or in drive-stun mode by police in excessive force cases. Whether used in dart mode or in drive stun mode, police can use a Taser unreasonably or as excessive force and significant injury can occur from heart attack to death.

Dart Mode

In dart mode, a Taser uses compressed nitrogen to propel a pair of "probes"—aluminum darts tipped with stainless steel barbs connected to the [Taser] by insulated wires— toward the target at a rate of over 160 feet per second. Upon striking a person, the [Taser] delivers a 1200 volt, low ampere electrical charge. The electrical impulse instantly overrides the victim's central nervous system, paralyzing the muscles throughout the body, rendering the target limp and helpless.

Drive-In Stun Mode

When a Taser is used in drive-stun mode, the operator removes the dart cartridge and pushes two electrode contacts located on the front of the Taser directly against the victim. In this mode, the Taser delivers an electric shock to the victim, but it does not cause an override of the victim's central nervous system as it does in dart-mode. However the shock has been described as, "extremely painful." Courts have held that Tasers used in dart-mode "constitute an intermediate, significant level of force."

Defense Against Excessive Force From Police Officers

Police abuse attorney Scott D. Hughes has extensive knowledge and experience in police training and tactics and has been trained in what deadly force looks like in a police brutality case. Scott D. Hughes is a California police abuse lawyer practicing in both State and Federal Courts.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of police abuse, contact Scott D. Hughes for your free confidential consultation.