During the trial, the circumstances of how it really happened are never revealed due to Charlie not wanting to displease his homophobic father, who is a well-respected police officer in line for a promotion to become the first Black sergeant.

One of his uncles, played by Courtney B Vance represents him in court and discovers the truth about his nephew after conversing with his youngest brother, a jazz musician who is considered the black sheep of the family.

[3] Dennis Harvey, film reviewer for Variety wrote that the "screenplay has some stretches of hackneyed dialogue", but "generally has narrative punch and passion to spare".

He was generally satisfied with the acting, saying "Vance anchors the action, alternating convincing courtroom savvy with a desperate, bittersweet familial loyalty...and Hardison, Whitt and Karen Glave ably lead the supporting scroll".

[4] Janet Maslin wrote in The New York Times that the movie was "directed with conviction and restraint" and Courtney B. Vance's performance was "first-rate".