Emmy-winning "Sopranos" star Michael Imperioli is crossing over to the right side of the law with a stint on NBC's "Law & Order."

Imperioli is set to guest star in the final three or four episodes of Dick Wolf's venerable crime drama as a detective who partners with Detective Joe Fontana (Dennis Farina).

Imperioli will fill in for "Law & Order" star Jesse L. Martin, who will take off early to star in Chris Columbus' big-screen adaptation of "Rent," reprising his role from the original Broadway production of the hit musical.

Martin will return to the series in fall 2005 to continue as Detective Ed Green, a role he has played since 1999.

The arc on "Law & Order" marks Imperioli's return to the Wolf Films/NBC Universal TV drama after a guest appearance in 1996.

Imperioli, who also is a writer on "The Sopranos," won the best supporting actor in a drama series Emmy this year for his role as Christopher Moltisanti on the HBO mob drama.

He most recently was a member of the voice cast of the animated hit "Shark Tale." He next stars in the ABC telefilm "The Five People You Meet in Heaven," which premieres Sunday.

Imperioli is repped by UTA and manager Tina Thor. Martin is repped by Endeavor and manager Bob McGowan.