The former Lawrence teacher convicted of having a sexual relationship with an underage student is appealing her nearly five-year sentence.

A motion filed in Douglas County District Court on behalf of Meredith L. Kane, 24, requested a transcript of her sentencing hearing. The motion also asked for an attorney to be appointed from the state’s Appellate Defender Office to handle her appeal.

Kane’s attorney for her guilty plea and sentencing, James Rumsey, filed the motion. Kane’s parents no longer wished to have financial responsibility for the case, and Kane cannot afford to hire her own attorney, according to the motion.

District Judge Stephen Six on Dec. 18 followed state guidelines and sentenced Kane to serve 59 months in prison. Rumsey had argued for probation.

The former Lawrence High School English teacher pleaded guilty in July to one count of felony indecent liberties with a child for having a relationship for several months with a student who was 15 at the time.

Kane remains in Douglas County Jail until paperwork can be completed, sheriff’s officials said. Eventually she will be assigned to a Kansas Department of Corrections facility.