Ala. Code § 15-23-13: Award Not Contingent on Prosecution or Conviction of Offender; Effect of Proof of Conviction; Suspension of Proceedings Under Article.

Except as provided elsewhere in this article, 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. The commission may suspend the proceedings pending disposition of criminal prosecution that has been commenced or is imminent, but may make a tentative award under this section.