Eight of 12 existing DPAs in the UK relate to the corporate bribery offence, demonstrating their popularity among regulators seeking more efficient investigation, remediation and case closure.
DPAs - Disadvantages A DPA can be extremely demanding as the court can impose enforceable undertakings, which would not be the case on conviction following trial. Companies who accept a DPA may therefore be subject to more scrutiny of their corporate governance than those who do not cooperate.
The content of the decree is what makes it so lengthy it includes identifying information for bothMoreThe content of the decree is what makes it so lengthy it includes identifying information for both spouses. And any minor.
Under a plea bargain or a sentence of probation, a defendant is convicted of a crime. Compliance with the terms of the plea bargain or terms of probation is overseen by the court. A DPA, by contrast, is largely imposed and monitored outside the judicial system.
The agreement allows a prosecution to be suspended for a defined period, provided the organisation meets certain specified conditions. DPAs can be used for fraud, bribery and other economic crime. They apply to organisations, never individuals.
Avoiding the “whole company” effect of a successful prosecution – not only the wrongdoers are affected, but employees, shareholders and even trading partners could suffer significantly.
In many respects, a DPA for a company mimics elements of plea agreements and probation for individual defendants, combining penalties with rehabilitative efforts. However, probation is a form of sentencing, and in a DPA, the company is not convicted of a crime.