Released early from prison thanks to his shady lawyer David Kleinfeld, former drug kingpin Carlito Brigante surprises the underworld with his vow to walk the law from now on. He takes a job as manager of a nightclub, tracks down his former girlfriend, and promises to finally turn his life around. Unfortunately, Carlito's dream of a respectable life is thwarted at every opportunity—by his former associates and some very dangerous up-and-comers in the criminal underworld who are determined to make a name for themselves at any cost.