Continuance for Dismissal/Continuance without Prosecution (CFD/CWOP): The state sets aside your case for a predetermined amount of time, and they dismiss the case after that period of time if you fulfill their conditions.
Stay of Adjudication: The defendant offers a guilty plea to the court, but the court does not accept it. There is then a probationary period set with certain conditions. If the terms of the probationary period are met, the case is dismissed at the end of that period.
Stay of Imposition:The defendant offers a guilty plea to the court which the court accepts, but does not impose the full sentence. There is a probationary period set with certain conditions, and at the end of the probationary period (if all conditions are fulfilled) the conviction may be reduced (e.g. from a felony to a misdemeanor) or it may be vacated and dismissed.
Stay of Execution of Sentence:The defendant offers a guilty plea which the court accepts. The defendant is then placed on probation, with certain (or all) terms of the sentence are stayed (not given). For example, someone who is sentence to 30 days in jail “stayed” would not have to go to jail if they successfully fulfill the terms of their probation.
Execution of Sentence:The defendant offers a guilty plea which the court accepts, and the sentence is imposed without any terms stayed. For example, someone who is sentenced to 30 days jail “executed” would actually have to serve that jail time.