Abrams v. United States

FERREN, Associate Judge:

In these consolidated appeals, 1 Christopher A. Abrams and Billy Ray Dunn, Jr., challenge their sentences imposed under the so-called “mandatory-minimum” provisions of the District of Columbia Code. D.C.Code § 22 — 3202(a)(1) (1981 & 1987 Supp.). 2 Section 22-3202 (a)(1), as amended in response to a voter initiative effective June 7, 1983, 3 mandates a sentence of not less than five years for anyone convicted of a “crime of violence ... while armed with a pistol or firearm.” Appellants present three arguments. First, they contend that, although labeled as a sentencing…