Opinion ID: 2104951
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The provisions address substantially different concerns.

Text: Section 3202 is a complex penalty enhancement provision which serves multiple purposes. The primary purpose of 3202 is to authorize imposition of an additional penalty for committing certain underlying offenses while armed with or having readily available a dangerous weapon. [12] As a sentencing enhancement provision, 3202 does not comprise a criminal offense in and of itself. Rather, its application is dependent upon a conviction of the underlying offense. Further, 3202 serves two additional purposes by mandating imposition of an additional penalty under two circumstances. First, it requires a mandatory-minimum penalty for those convicted of being armed with any pistol or firearm. D.C.Code § 22-3202(a)(1), (2) (1989 Repl. & 1991 Supp.) (last clauses). [13] Second, 3202 requires a mandatory-minimum penalty for recidivists. Id. at § -3202(a)(2). Thus, 3202 serves the additional purposes of requiring more severe treatment of recidivists and those who wield firearms. McCall v. United States, 449 A.2d 1095, 1096 (D.C.1982). In contrast, 3204(b) establishes a new and separate substantive offense. See LAW ENFORCEMENT AMENDMENT ACT OF 1989, REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY, COUNCIL OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA (December 4, 1983) at 3 (stating that legislation would create new offense for possessing firearm). Its one purpose is to proscribe the possession of firearms or imitation firearms during a crime of violence or a dangerous crime; it is a gun control provision. Unlike 3202, the application of which is dependent upon a conviction for an underlying offense, 3204(b) provides for a separate and independent criminal offense.
The scope of 3202 is very broad; it is not confined to a prescribed list of inherently dangerous weapons or instruments commonly used as dangerous weapons. Rather, it also encompasses any instrument used as a dangerous weapon. This would include an instrument that was merely perceived to be a dangerous weapon. Paris v. United States, 515 A.2d 199, 204 (D.C. 1986). For this reason, 3202 focuses on the nature of the instrument at issue ( i.e., whether it was a dangerous weapon), not solely on whether the instrument itself is specifically proscribed. [14] In contrast, the scope of 3204(b) is narrow. Under 3204(b), the nature of the instrument, whether it is inherently dangerous or rendered so by its use, is irrelevant. The only inquiry required with respect to the instrument is whether it is a specific instrumenta firearm or imitation firearm the possession of which is proscribed. In short, 3204(b) was not drafted to encompass the variety of instruments that can be utilized as dangerous weapons to further crimes of violence or dangerous crimes. Its focus is on a specific class of weapons the legislature considered uniquely dangerous. Thus, 3204(b) does not address the same concerns underlying the enhancement provision of 3202.
Section 3202 employs a complex sentencing scheme that reflects its multiple purposes. Under 3202, any mandatory-minimum sentence depends upon: (1) whether the perpetrator was armed with any pistol or firearm; [15] and, (2) whether the perpetrator has committed any previous armed offenses. Where neither factor is present, 3202 does not mandate a minimum sentence. Where either one, but not both, is present, 3202 requires a mandatory-minimum sentence of five years. D.C.Code §§ 22-3202(a)(1), (2) (1989 Repl. & 1991 Supp.) (last clause, first clause, respectively). Where both are present, 3202 requires a mandatory-minimum sentence of ten years. Id. at § -3202(a)(2). In addition, 3202 authorizes imposition of any additional sentence up to life imprisonment. The legislature declined to specify the maximum length of any additional penalties short of that maximum. Instead, it conferred wide discretion on the sentencing judge to determine an appropriate additional sentence. Thus, the provision authorizing any additional sentence up to life imprisonment permits imposition of a sentence appropriate to a wide range of conduct, including where the perpetrator (1) used a weapon to cause great bodily harm, (2) was armed with or had readily available a weapon capable of causing great bodily harm, or (3) appeared to be capable of causing such harm with a weapon. In contrast, 3204(b) employs a simple sentencing scheme which leaves no discretion with the sentencing judge. Section 3204(b) requires imposition of the same penalty in every casea mandatory-minimum term of five years and a maximum term of fifteen years. The sentence imposed does not vary depending upon the circumstances of a particular case. Thus, unlike the range of sentences available under 3202, under 3204(b) the sentencing judge must impose the same sentence without regard to whether the perpetrator: had a real firearm; was armed with it as opposed to having it readily available; used or displayed either a firearm or imitation; or, had any prior convictions of any kind. Unlike 3202, 3204(b) leaves the sentencing judge no discretion to tailor the sentence to either the degree of the harm caused by the perpetrator or any other factor.