What is the required action for a defendant to initiate an appeal after a conviction?

To initiate an appeal after a conviction, one of the key requirements is to present an appeal bond. This bond serves as a financial assurance that the appellant will comply with the court's ruling should they ultimately not prevail in their appeal. It typically involves a monetary amount that guarantees the costs incurred in the appellate process will be covered, thus facilitating the court's ability to ensure that the appeal is taken seriously.

This step is crucial because it helps maintain the integrity of the judicial process. By requiring an appeal bond, the court ensures that only those who are genuinely committed to challenging a decision will proceed, as the financial commitment can be a significant deterrent to frivolous appeals. The appeal bond thus acts as a formal step in the appellate process, highlighting its importance in regulating the flow of cases through the court system.

Other options do not have the same legal implications or requirements in the appeal process. For instance, while filing a motion may be relevant in certain legal contexts, it is not a standard requirement for initiating an appeal from a conviction. Similarly, requesting a hearing or sending a letter to the judge do not constitute formal actions necessary to begin the appeal process. These options lack the procedural weight that presenting an appeal bond carries.