Murder One

A powerful L.A. entrepreneur (Stanley Tucci) is accused of killing his mistresss 15-year-old sister, Jessica Costello, after she is found "naked, tied up, strangled, [with] drugs all over the place" in an apartment he owns. The murder of Jessica Costello becomes front-page news and the hottest new case for the law firm of Hoffman & Associates.

A personal item belonging to Jessica Costello surfaces that could incriminate members of the Hollywood community; Avedons substance abuse creates problems for Hoffman, who selects a new attorney for second chair. Lisa defends an investments specialist on trial for mishandling his clients life savings.

Avedon goes to court for his preliminary hearing; Blalock (Kevin Tighe) believes hes found a witness who can discredit Crosss alibi for the night of the murder. Meanwhile, Appleton defends a Jewish youth (Maury Ginsberg) accused of an anti-Semitic hate crime. After a lead in her sisters murder proves deadly, Julie Costello shows up at the law firm to talk to Hoffman, fearing that her own life is now in danger.

Hoffman receives information that Avedon may have confessed to killing Jessica Costello; someone is suspected of leaking facts to the press. Meanwhile, Gillespie defends a 12-year-old gang member (DeJuan Guy) accused of murdering a rival at a funeral.

Convinced that Richard Cross is trying to manipulate the outcome of Neil Avedons murder trail, Hoffman advises Justine to turn down a business opportunity from him.

Hoffman tries to get Avedons charges dropped due to Holly Gergess confession. Meanwhile, jury selection continues, with a law professor (Steven Gilborn) among those questioned. Hoffman becomes suspicious after Cross asks him to help Roberto Portalegre, an influential associate from Brazil whose son was accused of date rape.

Evidence is delivered against Avedon by witnesses who include Dr. Lesters nurse though Hoffman believes she may be lying. Meanwhile, an informant turns up with vital information about Richard Cross; rumors begin circulating about the state of Crosss health. Elizabeth identifies her abductor.

The murder trial is halted when two male jurors argue over a woman juror as a love triangle is exposed. Judge Bornstein orders that Dr. Lesters records on Avedon be unsealed, forcing the physician to testify; Dr. Lester testifies that Neil Avedon made a startling confession the night Jessica was murdered. Passion develops between Arnold and Julie Costello.

Eduardo Portalegre (Nick Corri) is again charged with rape and becomes a suspect in Jessicas murder. Patients of Graham Lester testify that he drugged and raped them while they were in his care. Julie and DA Garfield testify; Annie asks Ted for a divorce. Hoffman uncovers a costly connection between Richard Cross and Dr. Lesters nurse.

Richard Cross is called as a witness for the defense. Cross acts strangely on the witness stand, Neil decides to testify in court on his own behalf, and Justine has an unnerving encounter with Cross in his office. Meanwhile, Appleton secretly goes through Crosss private files to obtain information that would aid the defense.

Even as the jury reaches a verdict, Hoffman breaks into Jessicas apartment, convinced a hidden camera is located there and that a tape of the murder most likely exists. The jury delivers its verdict in the trial of Neil Avedon. Following the decision, Hoffman and Grasso appear on "Larry King Live" to discuss the case. King appears as himself. 

With nothing left to lose, a dying Richard Cross tells Hoffman where to find the tape recorded in Jessicas apartment the night of her murder. In the aftermath of the jurys verdict in the Goldilocks murder case of Neil Avedon, Jessicas killer is unmasked and all loose ends tied up.

Sharon testifies she was pregnant with Governor Van Allans child, but he made her have an abortion, while Wyler learns the governors wife was having an affair of her own.

Wyler talks to Sharons husband concerning her confession, then later meets basketball superstar Rickey Latrell, who fears hell be arrested for the murder of an NBA team owner.

While Wyler uncovers more connections between the various players involved in the Van Allan murder, Rickey Latrell is arrested and charged with murder.

The truth about the governors murder is finally revealed as Mosley and Docknovich argue over who is best suited to make Rickey Latrells bail argument.

Witnesses in the Latrell case portray Rickey as a desperate and possessive man, but later it is Rickey himself who offers up the most damning statement.

Wyler defends a serial killer who targeted ex-cons convicted of vicious crimes, and the firm receives bids from Hollywood producers vying for the movie rights.

Banks is released, and as the firm tries to help him, one of their own is shot; Wyler defends a young man accused of killing his 83-year-old girlfriend.