What does the term 'forfeiture' primarily relate to in criminal law?

The term 'forfeiture' primarily relates to the seizure of profits from criminal activities. In criminal law, forfeiture allows the government to take ownership of assets and profits that are deemed to be derived from or used in the commission of a crime. This process serves multiple purposes, including deterrence, punishment, and ensuring that criminals do not benefit financially from their illegal activities.

This practice can be seen in various forms, such as civil forfeiture, where the government can seize property without necessarily charging the owner with a crime, and criminal forfeiture, which is tied to a conviction. By stripping offenders of their ill-gotten gains, forfeiture aims to disrupt criminal enterprises and diminish their financial incentives.

The other options do not align with the definition of forfeiture. Incarceration pertains to the punishment of an offender through imprisonment, while restitution focuses on compensating victims for their losses. Legal defense fees relate to the expenses incurred by the accused for their defense in court, but they do not involve the government seizing assets or profits.