Corrected entry: In the courtroom scene in the beginning, Andy is convicted and sentenced to two life sentences. Even if Andy was representing himself (it appeared there was no defense lawyer present) the State of Maine still has had a Court of Appeals since 1789, yet it seems like Andy doesn't even care about appealing his case.
Leonard Hassen
15th Sep 2004
Correction: Explained in the book. Andy is in such a funk over the trial and results, as well as his cheating wife, it takes him most of a year to decide he wants to live again. Presumably, he begins making appeals then.
Grumpy Scot