[P-40]

The problem isn't the implement used in the crime, the problem is the criminal

True, but some criminals are more threatening because of the weapons they choose and a mandatory minimum sentence will ensure that a judge can't sentence them to a light jail term. Criminals that threaten people with gun, knives, and whatnot are trying to terrorize their victims as well as steal from them...and they need to be sentenced harshly for both acts.

[Wonder Warthog]

"Criminals that threaten people with gun, knives, and whatnot are trying to terrorize their victims as well as steal from them...and they need to be sentenced harshly for both acts."

True, and that's why they get charged with "assault with a deadly weapon" in addition to "felony robbery". But it shouldn't make any difference WHAT the weapon is---gun, knife, or baseball bat. A deadly weapon is a deadly weapon, and it is the USE of such that should be penalized, not a class of hardware.

"Plea bargaining" away the "ADW" charge to get a plea of guilty to robbery (and save the court money to avoid going to trial) is a BIG part of the problem.