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 Nevada, a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) is a discretionary tool that prosecutors may use to resolve certain criminal allegations without proceeding to trial. Under a DPA, the prosecutor agrees to grant a temporary reprieve from prosecution, and in return, the defendant agrees to meet specific conditions, which may include things like paying restitution, undergoing treatment, or engaging in community service. If the defendant fulfills these conditions within a specified period, the charges may be dismissed, meaning the defendant avoids a criminal conviction. DPAs are particularly useful in cases where the public interest may be better served by allowing a defendant to make amends without the consequences of a criminal record. However, the availability and specific terms of DPAs can vary, and they are not guaranteed in every case. It's important to consult with an attorney to understand the potential for a DPA in a given legal situation in Nevada.