Public defender, Jerry Kellerman, defends a man that he is certain is innocent. Jerry struggles on the case while in front of a judge that despises him. Meanwhile in the DA's office, Michelle tries to right a wrong in a rape trial while the office doesn't want to be embarrassed by a wrong conviction.
Jerry defends an HIV-positive man charged with attempted murder due to the fact that he spit in a police officer's face. Jerry must go up against Mitch Baker, an arrogant assistant DA. Bobbi and Richard defend a 14-year-old who was possibly involved in a murder. Judge Kessler plans a trip to Italy and invites Charlie along.
The appeals court overturns the conviction of a black firefighter accused of stealing property from a body found during a fire. The court finds that Judge Kessler was wrong to disallow testimony. Roz and Balco have to go and retry the case and they find racism to play a major part. Jerry finds some information out about Bobbi's husband but doesn't know if he should share it. Charlie deals with conflict between him and Judge Kessler.
In the dramatic season premiere, Jerry defends a barber charged with allowing his nephew to sell crack out of his barbershop, a crime for which the barber is now being tried. Marcus, under orders from Balco to “take the hard line” in prosecuting cases, refuses to give any leeway. Roz decides to start handling cases again, but her first one hits a snag that could ruin a woman’s life and the life of her son. Bobbi’s divorce proceedings get underway, but it’s not too long before she gets thrown a curveball. And Jerry gets ribbed about his hair during a party celebrating his 33rd birthday.