Ending Without A Conviction
Wis. Stat. 971.37 — a written deferred prosecution agreement in the domestic abuse and child sexual abuse cases the section names
Which cases. The district attorney may enter into a deferred prosecution agreement with a person accused of child sexual abuse as the section defines it, an adult accused of the listed offenses against a spouse or former spouse, a household member or a co-parent, or a person accused of violating a domestic abuse injunction.
The agreement. Prosecution is suspended for a specified period if the person complies with its conditions. The agreement is written and signed; the person waives a speedy trial, agrees that limitation periods are tolled, and files a monthly written report certifying compliance. The alleged victim, or a parent or guardian, receives a copy.
Dismissed with prejudice. Either side may end the agreement by written notice before it is complete, and prosecution may resume. If it runs its full period without being ended, the court dismisses the charges with prejudice, or none may be filed.
Whether a person qualifies, what conditions a court sets, and whether the record can later be sealed are questions for a licensed Wisconsin attorney. Sealing has its own page.
Sources for this section (1)
- Wis. Stat. 971.37 — Deferred prosecution programs; domestic abuse and child sexual abuse
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Wisconsin attorney.