Final answer:
In capital felony cases where the death penalty is not sought, the mandatory sentence is often life imprisonment without parole, depending on state statutes and the nature of the offense. Special provisions apply to juvenile offenders, as mandatory life without parole is prohibited for them. Sentences are based on federal or state guidelines, which can vary depending on numerous case-specific factors.
Step-by-step explanation:
In a capital felony case where the state is not seeking the death penalty, and the defendant is found guilty, the mandatory sentence often becomes life imprisonment, potentially without the possibility of parole. However, this is contingent upon jurisdiction-specific statutes and the nature of the crime. Notably, cases involving juvenile offenders have additional considerations per Supreme Court rulings, such as Miller v. Alabama and Graham v. Florida, which prohibit mandatory life imprisonment without parole for juvenile offenders.
According to Ford v. Wainwright, a death sentence may not be imposed on the insane, while Kennedy v. Louisiana states the death penalty is unconstitutional unless the crime involves murder or crimes against the state. When determining sentences, judges in the federal system typically reference guidelines that assign point values to various offenses and facts of the case, while state laws have their own specific sentencing guidelines and statutes.
It is important to consult the specific laws of the state and legal precedents such as Roberts v. Louisiana and Enmund v. Florida for the detailed provisions that apply to sentencing in capital cases where the death penalty is not pursued. Factors such as the defendant's criminal history and the specific circumstances surrounding the crime will also influence the final sentence.