Opinion ID: 2376245
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 1

Heading: pertinent d.c. statutes

Text: Determining whether the District of Columbia's LWOP sentencing scheme comports with the principles annunciated in Apprendi involves an examination of two statutes: D.C.Code § 22-2404 (1996), which establishes the penalties for first and second degree murder; and D.C.Code § 22-2404.1 (1996), which sets forth the sentencing procedure for LWOP. Because of their import to this case, we recite each statute in its entirety. Section 22-2404 provides: (a) The punishment for murder in the first degree shall be life imprisonment, except that the court may impose a punishment of life imprisonment without parole in accordance with § 22-2404.1. The prosecution shall notify the defendant in writing at least 30 days prior to trial that it intends to seek a sentence of life imprisonment without parole as provided in § 22-2404.1; provided that, no person who was less than 18 years of age at the time the murder was committed shall be sentenced to life imprisonment without parole. (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, a person convicted of murder in the first degree and upon whom a sentence of life imprisonment is imposed shall be eligible for parole only after the expiration of 30 years from the date of the commencement of the sentence. (c) Whoever is guilty of murder in the second degree shall be sentenced to a maximum period of incarceration of not less than 20 years and not more than life. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, where the maximum sentence imposed is life imprisonment, a minimum sentence shall be imposed which shall not exceed 20 years imprisonment. Section 22-2404 creates a sentence for first degree murder of life imprisonment with the possibility of parole after thirty years. See D.C.Code § 22-2404(a)-(b). Indeed, the only sentencing variable for first degree murder is the parole eligibility date of the offender. If the government satisfies its procedural obligations under § 22-2404(a), and the required finding under § 22-2404.1 is made, then a sentence of LWOP can attach. In all other cases, the offender shall be eligible for parole after thirty years. For the purpose of this appeal, [6] § 22-2404.1 provides: (a) If a defendant is convicted of murder in the first degree, and if the prosecution has given the notice required under § 22-2404(a), a separate sentencing procedure shall be conducted as soon as practicable after the trial has been completed to determine whether to impose a sentence of life imprisonment or life imprisonment without possibility of parole. (b) In determining the sentence, the court shall consider whether, beyond a reasonable doubt, any of the following aggravating circumstances exist: (1) The murder was committed in the course of kidnaping or abduction, or an attempt to kidnap or abduct; (2) The murder was committed for hire; (3) The murder was committed for the purpose of avoiding or preventing a lawful arrest or effecting an escape from custody; (4) The murder was especially heinous, atrocious, or cruel; (5) The murder was a drive-by or random shooting; (6) There was more than 1 offense of murder in the first degree arising out of 1 incident; (7) The murder was committed because of the victim's race, color, religion, national origin, or sexual orientation; (8) The murder was committed while committing or attempting to commit a robbery, arson, rape, or sexual offense; (9) The murder was committed because the victim was or had been a witness in any criminal investigation or judicial proceeding, or the victim was capable of providing or had provided assistance in any criminal investigation or proceeding; (10) The murder victim was especially vulnerable due to age or a mental or physical infirmity; (11) The murder is committed after substantial planning; or (12) At the time of the commission of the murder, the defendant had previously been convicted and sentenced, whether in a court of the District of Columbia, of the United States, or of any state, for (A) murder, (B) manslaughter, (C) any attempt, solicitation, or conspiracy to commit murder, (D) assault with intent to kill, (E) assault with intent to murder, or (F) at least twice, for any offense or offenses, described in § 22 3201(f), whether committed in the District of Columbia or any other state, or the United States. A person shall be considered as having been convicted and sentenced twice for an offense or offenses when the initial sentencing for the conviction in the first offense preceded the commission of the second offense and initial sentencing for the second offense preceded the commission of the instant murder. (c) The court shall state in writing whether, beyond a reasonable doubt, 1 or more of the aggravating circumstances exist. If the court finds 1 or more aggravating circumstances exist, a sentence of life imprisonment without parole may be imposed. (d) If the trial court is reversed on appeal because of error only in the separate sentencing procedure, any new proceeding before the trial court shall pertain only to the issue of sentencing. [Emphases added.] This procedure permits the imposition of LWOP if the government satisfies its procedural obligations and, following a separate sentencing procedure, one (or more) of the listed aggravating factors is found beyond a reasonable doubt. See D.C.Code § 22-2404.1(c).