He will be tried later on charges that he used city-issued credit cards to pay for $58,000 worth of personal trips and expenses while he was mayor.
James faces trial alone on improper credit card charges, and will be tried on land fraud charges with Tamika Riley. Prosecutors allege the 38-year-old businesswoman was his companion.
James and Riley were indicted in July. They have pleaded not guilty to all charges and are free on bail.