Appeal deadline questions after an unemployment denial - 12 weeks in

I was told my separation was for misconduct, which is not what happened. There are 12 people counting on me, so I am trying to be careful. My employer's version of events does not match mine, and I have emails that show it. If you have appealed before, what helped you prepare?

Stay calm and stick to facts. Mine lasted about thirty minutes and felt more like a conversation than a trial.