53-9-127. Award of compensation. (1) The office shall award compensation benefits under this part if satisfied by a preponderance of the evidence that the requirements for compensation have been met.

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Terms Used In Montana Code 53-9-127

  • Appeal: A request made after a trial, asking another court (usually the court of appeals) to decide whether the trial was conducted properly. To make such a request is "to appeal" or "to take an appeal." One who appeals is called the appellant.
  • Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
  • Evidence: Information presented in testimony or in documents that is used to persuade the fact finder (judge or jury) to decide the case for one side or the other.
  • Office: means the office of victims services established in 2-15-2016. See Montana Code 53-9-103
  • Person: includes a corporation or other entity as well as a natural person. See Montana Code 1-1-201
  • Trial: A hearing that takes place when the defendant pleads "not guilty" and witnesses are required to come to court to give evidence.

(2)An award may be made whether or not any person is prosecuted or convicted. Proof of conviction of a person whose acts give rise to a claim is conclusive evidence that the crime was committed unless an application for rehearing, an appeal of the conviction, or certiorari is pending or a rehearing or new trial has been ordered.

(3)The office may suspend the proceedings pending disposition of a criminal prosecution that has been commenced or is imminent and may make a tentative award under 53-9-126.