When the owner and the chef of a popular diner in a small north Georgia town are found shot to death shortly before opening early one morning, Joseph Owens, a hot-tempered busboy, quickly becomes the prime suspect. District Attorney Paul Chastain, facing a serious challenge in his bid for reelection, charges Owens with the murders despite pleas from the lead detective for more time to investigate. After a hard-fought trial in which the judge allows the prosecutor to present highly emotional testimony despite the defense lawyer's objections, Owens is convicted and sentenced to death by the jury.

Two Atlanta lawyers, who observed part of the trial, become convinced the prosecution's case is flimsy at best. Shocked by the outcome, they get permission from their firm's managing partner to represent Owens in his final appeal. But as the appeal drags on and costs the firm more and more in lost legal fees, tensions begin to rise. Their involvement has a drastic impact not just on Owens, but on many others involved in the case, as well as on their own lives and careers.