Ron, a suburbanite, is pampered, youthful, and unconcerned with his marijuana charges. He now faces a five-year prison sentence in San Quentin State Prison after being accused of being a drug dealer. Ron is vulnerable to sexual predators and bullying guards because he is feeble and unfamiliar with his harsh surroundings — that is, until he is befriended by Earl, a seasoned inmate who finds meaning in defending the timid new kid.