Now that you have all the disclosure you require, the next step is to prepare for a possible plea or trial. After having reviewed the disclosure and your own notes, determine whether you have a plausible defence to use for trial. Make sure you Know Your Charge - what it is and the possible penalties.

If you cannot come up with a defence, you might want to consider plea bargaining with the prosecutor. Some court offices allow you to call the prosecutor or fax a plea resolution request before the trial date. Some people just choose to discuss it with the prosecutor on the trial date itself. If you intend on speaking with the prosecutor on the day of your trial, make sure to arrive in court at least half an hour early.

If you have determined that you do have a plausible defence to use, you may now prepare for trial. Otherwise, start preparing for your guilty plea.