Opinion ID: 2104951
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: Merging the two provisions would produce absurd results.

Text: The conclusion that the legislature could not have intended for the offenses to merge is further supported by an examination of some of the sentences that would result if they did. [18] Regardless of whether 3202 or 3204(b) is vacated, the result would be a reduction of the authorized penalties. It is highly doubtful that the legislature intended such a result when it created 3204(b) to punish a new offense with a mandatory-minimum term of five years while at the same time it amended 3202 to expand the reach of its sentencing enhancement provisions. If 3202 merges into 3204(b), exposure to an additional sentence of up to life imprisonment, which is authorized by 3202, would be lost in favor of the maximum sentence of fifteen years provided by 3204(b). The absurdity of the result becomes clearer for the case where a perpetrator previously convicted under 3202 is then convicted of a dangerous or violent crime while armed with any pistol or firearm under 3202 and also of possession of that firearm under 3204(b). In that example, if 3202 merges into 3204(b), in addition to avoiding the exposure to life imprisonment, the perpetrator would also avoid the ten year mandatory-minimum requirement of 3202(a)(2) (last clause). Thus, the additional mandatory-minimum sentence of ten years with a maximum up to life provided under 3202 would be avoided; instead the mandatory five to fifteen years of imprisonment provided by 3204(b) would apply. Merging 3204(b) into 3202 could also produce absurd results. For example, consider a perpetrator with no previous convictions of an armed offense who commits a violent or dangerous crime while having readily available a real pistol. Merging 3204(b) into 3202 results in no mandatory-minimum sentence since the mandatory five year term under 3202 applies only if the perpetrator is in fact armed with the firearm. D.C.Code § 22-3202(a)(1) (1989 Repl. & 1991 Supp.) (last clause) (emphasis added). Without merger, however, the mandatory-minimum sentence of five years required under 3204(b) would apply. The same result would occur where an imitation pistol is used. If 3204(b) merged into 3202, the mandatory-minimum of five years required by 3204(b) would again be inapplicable. Under either example, merging 3204(b) into 3202 would result in avoiding the five year mandatory-minimum sentence. In sum, under certain circumstances the effect of merging the offenses would be a reduction in the sentence authorized to be imposed. We find no indication whatsoever that the legislature intended such a result when it enacted 3204(b) and amended 3202. In light of that and the other strong indications set forth above that offenses which violate both 3202 and 3204(b) cannot be considered the same offense, we conclude that the legislature did not intend for the convictions to merge. [19]