Which of the following offenses must comply with the rule regarding only charging one offense?

The correct response indicates that all of the listed offenses—assault, drug charges, and theft—must comply with the rule requiring that only one offense be charged in a single count. This principle is grounded in the legal system's goal to ensure fairness and clarity in criminal prosecution.

When multiple offenses are charged in a single count, it can lead to confusion for both the defendant and the jury, complicating the legal process. Each charge should represent a distinct and separate act or violation, allowing for a precise understanding of the allegations and appropriate defense.

In practice, this rule helps to prevent the potential for double jeopardy, where a defendant could be wrongfully punished for similar acts under multiple charges. The necessity for clarity and fairness in the legal system is why this principle applies universally across these types of offenses, whether they involve physical harm, controlled substances, or property theft. This is essential to upholding the integrity of criminal justice proceedings.