A native New Yorker, Dean Winters comes to the cast of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" from the critically acclaimed prison drama "Oz." While appearing on the "Law & Order" companion series, Winters will continue on the wrong side of the law in his role as inmate Ryan O’Reilly on the third season of "Oz."

Winters’ experience on "Oz" has been a challenge because of the intensity of the role, but also a pleasure because he has been fortunate enough to work with his brothers. His brother, Scott, plays the role of his on-screen brother, and Brad is a writer on "Oz."

As he makes the leap to the right side of the law, Winters will take on the role of Detective Brian Cassidy on "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." "Cassidy is an enthusiastic eager-to-please detective who has his eyes set on the future. He has only been in the special victims unit for eight months. He is wide-eyed and bushy tailed, and does not want to screw up," says Winters.

In addition to his work on "Oz," Winters has guest starred on "Millenium," "NYPD Blue" and NBC’s "Homicide: Life on the Street." On film, Winters was seen in the recent thrillers "Urban Legend" and the Mel Gibson-Julia Roberts hit "Conspiracy Theory."

When Winters is not working, he enjoys playing ice-hockey and roller blading.