Dr. Conrad Murray files appeal notice

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Murray files his own appeal notice without a lawyer


• Murray has not chosen an appeal lawyer


• "He disagrees with the jury's findings and the pretrial rulings," a defense lawyer says


• Murray is serving a four-year jail term for Michael Jackson's death

Los Angeles (Entertainment News) -- Dr. Conrad Murray filed notice Friday in Los Angeles Superior Court that he will appeal his conviction last month of involuntary manslaughter in the death of Michael Jackson.

Murray was sentenced to four years in the Los Angeles County Jail on Tuesday, three weeks after a jury found him guilty of being responsible for Jackson's 2009 death.

"He disagrees with the jury's findings and the pretrial rulings made by the court," defense lawyer Nareg Gourjian said Friday.

Murray, who signed his own appeal notice, has not hired a lawyer to represent him in the appellate process, Gourjian said.

The appeal notice was filed "In Pro Per," legalese that means he's representing himself. The return address on the document is the jail where Murray has resided since his conviction.

It's not unusual for appeal notices to be filed in that manner before a lawyer who specializes in the appellate process is chosen, Gourjian said.

Murray's trial lawyers have complained that a series of pretrial decisions by Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Pastor limited their ability to defend the doctor.

Judge Michael Pastor blocked their efforts to introduce evidence and testimony about Jackson's past drug use and his finances.

The defense argued that Jackson's fear of financial ruin if his comeback concerts were canceled led him to self-administered the drugs that killed him in a desperate search for sleep.

The judge did not allow them to call to the stand other doctors they believe would testify they used propofol to put Jackson to sleep for years before his death.

Murray's four-year sentence, unless overturned on appeal, is expected to keep the doctor in jail for only two years since state rules give him credit for two days served for every one day behind bars.