At age eighteen, James Burns is imprisoned for selling guns and possession of drugs. Three years earlier, his mother, Tracy, attempts to enroll him in school, but he is turned away due to his criminal record and recent stint in a youth detention center. One night, James meets Crystal and Drew after they steal from a convenience store, and befriends them. Crystal tells James about Roc, a gangster they work for, and offers him a chance to meet him. After learning that James is up to no good, Tracy attempts to intervene, but James rebukes her and indicates he has no plans to attend school. James removes his house arrest ankle bracelet and leaves past curfew.