An item that is illegal to possess is referred to as what?

The term "contraband" is used to describe items that are illegal to possess. This can encompass a variety of goods, such as illegal drugs, stolen property, firearms possessed in violation of the law, and other materials whose possession is prohibited by law. The classification of an item as contraband underscores the legal ramifications surrounding its possession, often leading to criminal charges if an individual is found in possession of such items.

In contrast, evidence specifically pertains to items used to prove or disprove facts in a legal proceeding, and it may or may not be illegal to possess. Misdemeanor denotes a category of criminal offense that is less severe than a felony and does not specifically relate to the legality of possessing specific items. An offensive weapon typically refers to a particular category of weapons deemed unlawful due to their nature or intended use, but it is not a blanket term for all illegal items. Thus, "contraband" is the most accurate choice, as it encompasses the broader scope of illegal possession.