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 Wisconsin, a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) is a tool used by prosecutors to resolve certain criminal charges without a formal conviction. Under a DPA, the defendant agrees to comply with certain conditions set forth by the prosecutor, such as undergoing treatment, paying restitution, or engaging in community service. If the defendant successfully fulfills these conditions within a specified period, the charges may be reduced or dismissed entirely. DPAs are often used for first-time offenders or for those charged with non-violent offenses. It's important to note that entering into a DPA typically requires the defendant to waive certain rights, such as the right to a speedy trial, and the agreement may include an admission of guilt. However, unlike a plea bargain or probation, if the defendant complies with the terms of the DPA, they avoid a criminal conviction on their record. The specific eligibility and terms of DPAs can vary based on the policies of individual district attorney's offices within Wisconsin.