What does 'forfeiture' refer to in criminal law?

In criminal law, forfeiture refers specifically to the seizure of assets that have been acquired through criminal activity. This legal mechanism allows the government to take possession of property that is believed to be linked to illegal conduct, such as drug trafficking or money laundering. The intent behind forfeiture is to diminish the benefits that a criminal might gain from their illegal activities while also serving as a deterrent to other potential offenders.

Forfeiture can include various forms of property, such as cash, vehicles, real estate, and other valuables. It typically involves a legal process where the state must prove that the assets are connected to criminal behavior.

The other options do not accurately describe forfeiture: the restoration of rights after serving a sentence pertains to clemency or expungement; a civil case generally refers to legal disputes between individuals, not involving the state seizing assets; and a monetary fine imposed by a court is a penalty for crimes, but it does not involve the seizure of property.