Process for Trial by Declaration? (CA)

Just in case I do decide to fight my ticket, I just wanted to ask about the process for pleading not guilty by mail and requesting a trial by declaration. I did a little research and visited a few websites, but it's still not very clear to me. I know that there is the official form for requesting a trial by declaration, but on that same form it asks you to provide your case/evidence...I thought that the process was to first plead "not guilty," request the trial by written declaration, and then submit your case/declaration by the date given. The official "Trial by Declaration Request" form seems to be all those steps in one, but I was hoping I could plead not guilty first, and then have time to prepare my case/write-up. I would like to avoid going to court, so can someone please clarify this process for me? Thanks!

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