# 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*.