Holmes could also simply plead innocent, and he wouldn't have to give prosecutors potentially incriminating medical records and statements made to doctors.

NPR: Colo. Judge Enters Not Guilty Plea For Holmes

He will plead innocent, his legal team told CNN.

CNN: SHARE THIS

Innocent defendants may plead guilty in return for a shorter sentence to avoid the risk of a much longer one.

ECONOMIST: Rough justice in America

Though his father did not believe that he should plead guilty if he were innocent, his stepmother beseeched him to take the deal.

NEWYORKER: Trial by Fire

Defence solicitors have said the proposals are unworkable and will create the possibility that innocent people will plead guilty because they cannot afford to go to trial.

BBC: Lawyers stage court boycott in legal aid row