In February, U.K. authorities released guidance [PDF] on when prosecutors may use deferred prosecution agreements (DPAs) to resolve criminal cases there. In addition to British English, there are some significant differences over U.S. practices. Corporate Counsel has you covered with a quick reference chart and what you need to know about the new U.K. DPA process.
DPAs in both the United Kingdom and the United States are used to resolve criminal cases short of a criminal conviction. In the U.S., DPAs and nonprosecution agreements are agreements between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and a corporation to resolve a criminal case short of a criminal conviction provided the company keeps its end of the bargain. Conditions typically include business and compliance reforms, cooperation, a substantial fine, and a promise to refrain from future illegal conduct.
