Lawyers for Gov. Robert Bentley spent much of the day negotiating with prosecutors, and sources said the governor will step down this afternoon.

The governor was scheduled to meet with his staff before any announcement is made. According to the Associated Press, a person who has spoken to Bentley says the governor is in good spirits over the decision to step down.

Prosecutors with the Alabama Attorney General's office filed documents in Montgomery County Circuit Court, but the clerk would not immediately release them.

It is believed Bentley will plead guilty to lesser charges and resign to avoid stiffer penalties.

Lt. Gov. Kay Ivey is likely to be sworn in as governor tonight.

Bentley has been under fire for the better part of the year but pressure over the last several days has mounted to untenable heights.

The Alabama Ethics Commission last week found reason to believe he committed four crimes, all of them felonies.

If he agrees to a deal it is thought he will have to plead to at least a misdemeanor.

Leaders of his party, along with the Senate Majority Leader and the Speaker of the House, have demanded he resign.

Yasamie August, the governor's spokeswoman, said:

"The Governor is not personally involved in any negotiations."

It is possible that Bentley, who has changed his mind often during his term, could change his mind.