Opinion ID: 2104951
Heading Depth: 3
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: The two provisions differ substantially in scope.

Text: 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.