What is the process called that may be used to sell a defendant's property to satisfy a fine?

• A. Seizure
• B. Garnishment
• C. Execution
• D. Foreclosure

Answer: (C)

When a court imposes a monetary penalty, the way to enforce payment by turning the debtor’s property into cash is through an execution. An execution allows law enforcement to seize non-exempt property and have it sold, usually at a sheriff’s sale, to satisfy the amount owed. This is the formal enforcement step that converts the debtor’s assets into money to pay the fine.

Garnishment, by contrast, targets money held by a third party (like wages or a bank account) rather than selling the debtor’s own property. Foreclosure deals with real estate securing a mortgage and isn’t the typical method used to collect a fine. Seizure is a broad term for taking property, but the specific process that leads to a sale to satisfy a judgment is execution.