Appeals process

[NicksDad1970]

I live in Memphis and we have (had) a senator that was convicted of taking a bribe. He was sentenced to 66 months in prison. Everyone says he'll appeal and more than likely not have to go to jail until after the appeals process.

Could someone with knowledge tell me why some people are convicted of crimes and go straight to jail while they're appealing but others just go about their lives while they go back to court.