NBC’s new legal drama "Conviction" begins production this week in New York City, with Stephanie March joining the cast as bureau chief Alexandra Cabot, along with Eric Balfour, Anson Mount, Jordan Bridges, Julianne Nicholson, Milena Govich and J. August Richards.

Scheduled to debut in early 2006, "Conviction" is a fast-paced, character-oriented series focusing on young Assistant District Attorneys in New York who are confronted with tough, high-profile cases that often challenge their limited experience. "Conviction" will be shot entirely in New York, and the first-season order is 13 episodes.

According to series creator Dick Wolf, "Since 'Conviction' will be a 'charactercedural,' we will be dealing extensively with characters' back stories and personal lives. I am delighted with the extraordinary cast we have assembled, which will give the show depth and emotional intensity."