# Reading the brief of evidence The earlier you can read a brief in a contested hearing the better. The first read of the brief should be to gain an overview of the case. The second read consider: 1. whether *charges laid correctly*; and 2. whether *charges supported by evidence*; and 3. whether *evidence supports other charges not laid*; and 4. whether *each element of each charge can be proven*; and 5. whether there are *gaps in evidence*; and 6. whether any *charges laid are alternatives*; and 7. whether charges *arise out of same transaction or episode* or *are unrelated*; and 8. whether charges laid are *all or just some of those being contested*; and 9. whether *all witnesses are available*; and 10. what *exhibits are relied upon*; and 11. who is *producing exhibits*; and 12. what *admissions are made in the record of interview or elsewhere*; and 13. whether *procedural processes* for *interviewing were complied with*; and 14. whether any *certificates relating to drugs, traffic or firearms* are in the brief; and 15. what *avenues open for resolution of the charges*.