Conrad Murray Files Notice Of Appeal, Will Represent Himself

LOS ANGELES (CBS) — Michael Jackson's personal physician filed court papers today indicating that he will appeal his involuntary manslaughter conviction for the singer's June 2009 death from an overdose of the powerful anesthetic propofol.

In the one-page typewritten "notice of appeal" filed on his own behalf, Dr. Conrad Murray also indicated that he is appealing the four-year custody term that Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael E. Pastor ordered him to serve Tuesday.

The filing is a precursor to an appeal being filed with California's 2nd District Court of Appeal, which is expected to be asked to consider the case.

Nareg Gourjian, one of the defense attorneys who represented Murray in the manslaughter case told the website TMZ, "This case presents a gold mine of issues for any appellate lawyer.  Dr. Murray is confident that the Court of Appeal will vindicate him."

Murray was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter on Nov. 7.

On Nov. 29 he was sentenced to four years in jail. However, Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department spokesman Steve Whitmore said Murray would only serve two years of the sentence.

District Attorney Steve Cooley said earlier this week that he believesprosecutors have "jurisdiction to appeal" the issue of whether or notinvoluntary manslaughter "amounts to a serious felony" and whether Murray could be forced to serve the term in state prison rather than county jail.

A hearing was scheduled for Jan. 23 to determine how much Murray will owe to Jackson's estate for restitution.

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