Montana Code 17-8-409. Burden of proof — effect of criminal conviction
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17-8-409. Burden of proof — effect of criminal conviction. (1) The plaintiff in an action under 17-8-405 or 17-8-406 shall prove each essential element of the cause of action, including damages, by a preponderance of the evidence.
Terms Used In Montana Code 17-8-409
- Conviction: A judgement of guilt against a criminal defendant.
- Damages: Money paid by defendants to successful plaintiffs in civil cases to compensate the plaintiffs for their injuries.
- 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.
- Nolo contendere: No contest-has the same effect as a plea of guilty, as far as the criminal sentence is concerned, but may not be considered as an admission of guilt for any other purpose.
- Person: includes any natural person, corporation, firm, association, organization, partnership, limited liability company, business, trust, or other legal or business entity. See Montana Code 17-8-402
- Plaintiff: The person who files the complaint in a civil lawsuit.
(2)A person convicted of or who pleaded guilty or nolo contendere to a criminal offense may not deny the essential elements of the offense in an action under 17-8-405 or 17-8-406 that involves the same event or events as the criminal proceeding.