Which of the following is generally one of the goals of deferred prosecution agreements?

The correct answer is D. The CFE Manual explains that deferred prosecution agreements generally occur when prosecutors file criminal charges against a company but agree not to proceed with prosecution if the company complies with the agreement’s terms. These terms usually focus on reforming the company’s policies and reducing the risk of future illegal practices. The Manual specifically states that deferred prosecution agreements give the justice system another means of resolving a corporate case while still punishing malfeasance and effecting cultural change within the company.

This is why D is the best answer. Option A is not identified as a primary goal. Option B describes something closer to plea bargaining, not a deferred prosecution agreement. Option C is also inaccurate because a DPA is not merely a pause to let the company investigate; it is a structured resolution mechanism with conditions designed to punish misconduct and encourage reform. In the CFE framework, DPAs are especially relevant in corporate fraud cases because they balance accountability, remediation, and the practical realities of prosecuting large organizations. Therefore, the most accurate statement is that DPAs are used to allow prosecutors to resolve a corporate case while still punishing misconduct.