Alicia returns to work as a defense attorney after her husband's corruption scandal and incarceration. She is assigned her first case - a retrial of a woman accused of murdering her ex-husband. Her firm successfully deadlocked the first jury, and they hope that sticking to that strategy will work again, but Alicia realizes that this trial will be more of a fight than anyone expected.

As Alicia works with Will on the appeal of a death row inmate, she agrees to a conjugal visit with Peter in order to get information from him since her client was convicted under Peter's regime as state's attorney.

Alicia and Will defend a college student accused of killing her sorority sister while under the influence of a sleep aid. At the same time, they also deal with their growing sexual tension and Diane and Kurt McVeigh continue their flirtation.

Alicia is on the road to successfully arguing that her teenaged pop star client, Sloan, is innocent of a DUI, until Cary drops a bombshell that could ruin the starlet's career and life. Meanwhile, Peter's campaign hits a snag when the Democratic Committee tells him to drop out of the race.

Alicia defends a judge against misconduct charges stemming from his days as a prosecutor. Meanwhile, Cary makes a career decision and Kalinda deals with the repercussions of Agent Delaney's investigation.

When Cary's case goes to trial, a plea deal offer has him seriously considering jail time. Also, a joke between mother and daughter lands Alicia in trouble as her campaign for State's Attorney is in full stride.

Cary hires a prison consultant to prepare him for incarceration while the team at Florrick/Agos/Lockhart does everything in its power to help him. Meanwhile, Alicia practices for the State’s Attorney candidates’ debate.

As Peter's trial begins, Alicia works desperately to keep her husband from returning to jail. Also, Diane and Lucca move aggressively to expand the law firm, but face serious opposition from David Lee.

Peter has little time left to make a plea deal before the jury comes back with a verdict. Meanwhile, Alicia must decide whether her future is with Peter or with Jason, and she channels the ghost of Will Gardner to help make a decision.