It isn’t automatic, but an appeal is standard in cases of LWOP. If the convicted is indigent, the state will usually shoulder the economic burden of one appeal. It is a common enough process. Whether that will be a *successful* appeal that changes anything about CBR’s sentence, or gains him a new trial? I am doubting it. I feel both the prosecution and defense did a good job. The judge was very lenient with the defense questioning and testimony.
I believe the defense attorney said they will have 30 days after sentencing to file the appeal. The prosecutor said (I paraphrase): there is always an appeal. We’ll be ready.
I agree with your post. For me it's about 'Justice', the interview / Miranda Rights was a 'mess' the Judge cleaned it up best he could, but the fact still remains that it should be Miranda Rights / interview. 'Justice' should be about 'raising the bar'. If it was me or anybody else in exactly the same position, the reading of the Miranda Rights had been' messed up, then I'd be pretty upset about it. If the Miranda Rights is 'half baked' get rid of it altogether, it either means something or nothing, there is no in between.