Got a denial letter for unemployment, what now? (update)

I was told my separation was for misconduct, which is not what happened. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. The letter lists a deadline and a hearing process, but it is hard to follow. Did you bring documents or only talk?

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

File the appeal before the deadline, even if you are unsure. You can gather documents afterwards. That is the one part I would not wait on.