Instruments of crime are defined as which of the following items?

• A. Instruments
• B. Fruits
• C. Contraband
• D. Evidence of crime

Answer: (A)

Instruments of crime refer to the tools or items used to commit a criminal act or to facilitate it. That’s why this option is the best fit—the word “instruments” directly denotes the means by which the offense is carried out, such as a crowbar, weapon, or other device employed in the crime.

Fruits isn’t a term used for the means of a crime; contraband means illegal goods themselves, not specifically the tools used to commit the act. Evidence of crime describes items that demonstrate that a crime occurred, not necessarily the means used to commit it, though an instrument can also be evidence.