Resolutions short of conviction are common for organizations. Two structures dominate.

Deferred prosecution agreement. A charging document is filed, prosecution is deferred for a term, and the charges are dismissed if the company complies. Court involvement varies by jurisdiction.

Non-prosecution agreement. No charge is filed; the agreement is between the company and the enforcement authority.

Common terms. An agreed statement of facts the company may not contradict publicly; a monetary penalty with credit for disgorgement or restitution; ongoing cooperation, including against individuals; compliance program undertakings; periodic reporting; and in some cases an independent monitor or self-reporting in lieu of one.

The statement of facts is consequential. It is admissible in civil litigation, is quoted in shareholder suits, and constrains the company’s public statements including in investor communications.

Breach. The authority typically has sole discretion to determine breach, which can revive the prosecution with the statement of facts already conceded.

Collateral consequences. Debarment, licensing, and contractual representations to lenders and counterparties may be triggered by the resolution itself. Those consequences should be mapped before terms are agreed, not discovered when a credit agreement default notice arrives.