Yes, you can appeal before spending time in jail. This process is known as seeking bail pending appeal.
Seeking bail pending appeal involves making an application to a judge of the appeal court, who has the power to order that you can be released from jail while you are waiting for your appeal to be decided.
A judge deciding whether to order you to be released on bail pending appeal will consider:
Whether your appeal seems “frivolous”
Whether you have a chance of succeeding
Whether you are likely to cooperate in surrendering yourself into custody if you ultimately lose your appeal
Whether it is necessary for the public interest for you to remain in jail (including if you present any likely safety risk)
Your appeal lawyer will assist you by preparing a written argument to submit to the court addressing these considerations, and will then appear in person at an oral hearing to argue before an appeal judge that you should be released.