The perfect, if delayed, honeymoon of famous Los Angeles defense attorney Hugh Kerr and his wife Ellen Kerr nee Thorne, is abruptly shortened when tragedy befalls the Kerr Gang. Lieutenant Hank Wade, the newlywed's adopted father, is shot in cold blood directly outside the police station. Hugh is literally forced into the center of this very personal nightmare when Richard Baldwin, the man accused of the heinous crime, demands Kerr take his case or he threatens to defend himself. This puts district attorney Bartholomew Bond on the spot because Baldwin is a wealthy, influential man and his superiors worry such an individual, crying to the newspapers he is being denied his choice of attorney, will generate negative press. Although it is apparent Baldwin's arrogance stems from his desire to generate publicity for his toy manufacturing firm, rather than his concern over the possible repercussions of a conviction, Kerr reluctantly accepts the case. The disturbing conclusion of the Gang's investigation and subsequent trial will forever alter the lives of many innocent people.