Accused Colo. shooter James Holmes in court - 12 News KBMT and K-JAC. News, Weather and Sports for SE Texas

Courtesy ABC News

Accused Aurora, Colo., theater shooter James Holmes will be in court today where a judge will determine if prosecutors and defense attorneys are ready to proceed with a January 7 preliminary hearing.

If both sides tell judge William Sylvester that they are not ready to proceed on January 7, a backup date of February 4 is on the calendar.

At a preliminary hearing, prosecutors must convince the judge there is enough evidence against Holmes to proceed to a trial. As part of that process, law enforcement investigators are expected to testify about details of the case that have never been revealed before.

Holmes is accused of murdering 12 people and wounding 58 when he allegedly opened fire at a midnight screening of the Batman film "The Dark Knight Rises". His defense team believes Holmes is mentally ill. He has not entered a plea.

Victims, families and witnesses to the July 20 shooting are also expected to attend the preliminary hearing but will not be called to testify.

The theater where the shooting occurred is set to reopen January 17.