Neal Caffrey, a skilled con artist, forger, and thief, is finally caught after a three-year pursuit by the FBI. With just a few months remaining on his four-year prison term, he breaks out to search for his girlfriend, Kate. Peter Burke, the FBI agent responsible for his initial capture, tracks him down and brings him back to prison. However, Caffrey suggests a deal with the FBI to join a work-release program. After some deliberation, Burke consents, leading to an unusual partnership where Caffrey assists Burke in capturing white-collar criminals.