At the time of the trials, witchcraft was one of those serious felonies for which the convicted person was "attainted" -- that is, their property, both real estate and personal property, was forfeited to the Crown. Attainder was in addition to any other punishment. The surviving relatives of the convicted "witch" could apply to have the attainder lifted (thereby restoring the property to the family members) but they were usually unsuccessful. Legislation passed by the General Court (the colonial legislature) in 1711 lifted the attainders of some of the convicted Salem witches, but not all of them. Of course, in those few cases where the attainder was lifted, the authorities would deduct the cost of the accused's room and board in jail before returning the property to the family.