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Criminal procedure

deferred prosecution agreement

A deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) is an agreed arrangement between a prosecutor and a person or entity (defendant) to resolve an allegation of wrongdoing that might otherwise be prosecuted as a criminal offense (crime).

A DPA is unlike a plea bargain, a sentence of probation, or a sentence of deferred adjudication, because in those instances the defendant is convicted of a crime—but a person or entity who enters a DPA is not convicted of a crime and the result may be dismissal of the charges.

In Florida, a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) is a pre-trial intervention option primarily used for first-time offenders or individuals with minimal criminal history. Under a DPA, the state attorney's office agrees to suspend the prosecution for a period of time on the condition that the defendant meets certain requirements, such as completing community service, attending counseling, or making restitution. If the defendant successfully fulfills the terms of the agreement, the charges are typically dismissed, meaning there is no conviction on the defendant's record. DPAs are often used for juvenile offenders or for less serious crimes, and they aim to rehabilitate the defendant and prevent future criminal behavior without the need for a trial or a criminal record. The availability and specific terms of a DPA can vary by jurisdiction within Florida, and entering into a DPA typically requires the consent of the prosecutor.

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Criminal procedure

deferred prosecution agreement

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Criminal procedure

deferred prosecution agreement

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