Accused Aurora theater shooter James Holmes was disheveled, bearded and silent today as his lawyer tried to delay his arraignment by saying they were "not ethically prepared" to enter a plea.

The judge rejected the request for a delay and entered a standard not guilty plea on Holmes' behalf, despite objections from his lawyer.

Prosecutors now have 60 days to decide whether they will seek the death penalty. A hearing was scheduled for April 1 at which point the district attorney will announce their decision on the death penalty.

(Image credit: RJ Sangosti/Denver Post/AP Photo)

A trial date was set for Aug. 5, but few legal observers expect the case to go to trial.

Holmes was dressed in a red jumpsuit, his brown hair growing longer and looking disheveled. He has grown a full beard. He did not speak. His parents made a rare appearance in court today.

Holmes, 25, is charged with 166 counts, including murder, attempted murder and other charges for the July 20 massacre. His shooting rampage left 12 people dead and 58 wounded by gunfire. An additional 12 people suffered non-gunshot injuries.