Theodore Hoffman

Theodore (Ted) Hoffman is a fictional character who was the protagonist in the first season of the series "Murder One". He was played by Daniel Benzali.

Ted is head of the law firm of Hoffman & Associates, specializing in criminal defense. Though his profession is typically looked down on by many, Ted maintains a high degree of personal and professional integrity, and expects the same from those who work for him. He is not hesitant to fire employees who engage in unethical activities, even when it helps their cases.

After learning of the murder of fifteen-year-old call girl Jessica Costello, Ted is hired by millionaire Richard Cross to represent him in the matter. Richard owned the building where Jessica was murdered and has been having an affair with her older sister Julie. Richard insists his innocence though Ted suspects he knows more than he's telling.

After a witness provides Richard with an alibi and charges are dropped, noted movie actor Neil Avedon, who was seeing Jessica, is charged with the crime. At Richard's urging, Ted reluctantly agrees to represent Neil.

Because of Neil's celebrity and the notoriety of the murder, the trial quickly becomes a high-profile media event. Though Richard claims to be Neil's friend, Ted suspects Richard is manipulating events for unknown reasons. After David Blalock, a private investigator working for Ted, claims to have found a video tape undermining Richard's alibi, Blalock is found dead and the tape missing.

The trial also puts a strain on Ted's personal life. His work on the case demands long hours away from his family. He also receives a shock when his daughter is abducted, though she is found safe soon after. The publicity of the trial eventually becomes too much for Ted's wife Annie and she files for divorce.

After a lengthy and exhausting trial with many twists and turns, the jury finds Neil guilty of murder. While preparing the appeal, Ted recalls Richard's history of being a voyeur, and begins to suspect that he may have installed a camera in Jessica's bedroom, a camera that may have recorded her murder.

With the help of Ray Velacek, Blalock's successor, they sneak in to the apartment and find the camera, though the tape has been removed. Ted urges Richard, who is now dying of AIDS, to give him the tape. Jessica's real killer is revealed on the tape and Neil is exonerated. With the pressure of the trial finally behind him, Ted eventually leaves the firm to attempt a recocilliation with his wife.