Section 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.(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.(1)En. 71-2604 by Sec. 4, Ch. 527, L. 1977; Sec. 71-2604, R.C.M. 1947; (2), (3)En. 71-2610 by Sec. 10, Ch. 527, L. 1977; Sec. 71-2610, R.C.M. 1947; R.C.M. 1947, 71-2604, 71-2610; amd. Sec. 17, Ch. 124, L. 2001.