We have talked about the matter of police brutality on this blog before. Excessive force or rash action by the authorities does little to inspire confidence in their tactics and demeanor, and such violent conduct can even lead to charges being dropped.

A 37-year-old mother may be able to look into an excessive force complaint after she was shot with a stun gun for a non-violent crime. She was driving with her 3-year-old daughter to get some food at a drive-thru. Restaurant workers claim that the woman bypassed the line and other drivers to get food. They then called the police, who shocked the woman with the stun gun prior to filing misdemeanor charges against her.

Though details were light regarding the incident, the 37-year-old was eventually charged with second-degree trespassing. Considering no violent conduct or actions were taken by the woman - at least according to the information provided - the use of a stun gun seems over-the-top. The electrical output of those weapons can seriously injure or even kill a person.

It is also possible that the circumstances of the crime may have been exaggerated or were not as bad as the police or restaurant workers made it seem. With her daughter in the car, it does not seem likely for the 37-year-old to act in a manner that threatens her family and her livelihood.

Even though it is considered a misdemeanor, the 37-year-old's trespassing charge is a serious matter. Her daughter was taken into protective custody because of her arrest, and she may have to deal with custody issues in addition to the criminal penalties of this ordeal.

To properly protect herself from the impending consequences, the 37-year-old should consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney. After reviewing the case, a lawyer could find illegal or unjust actions that were taken by investigators and officers who responded to the scene.

Source: Peoria Journal Star, "Authorities: Stun gun used on woman at N.C. drive-thru," Feb. 5, 2012