A botched robbery results in a tragic loss of life, and Joe Edwards, a New York City police detective for over 25 years, is assigned to the case. The story follows him as he tracks down and arrests the prime suspect, the son of a prominent city political leader. But during the trial, Joe Edwards starts having second thoughts as to the guilt of the accused. We then follow Joe Edwards as he digs deeper into the case, prepares for his upcoming retirement from the police force, and plans to marry his girlfriend. We see the detective find new evidence that will prove the innocence of the accused. However, when that evidence becomes inadmissible in a court of law, Joe Edwards is forced to make a difficult decision. He decides to circumvent police procedures in order to see that justice is served. We witness that decision process and see how its outcome affects Joe Edwards' future.