In August 2004 Hale dismissed his attorney and began representing himself in court (he has a law degree but has been refused admission to practice).  He continues to appeal his convictions, submitting handwritten court papers because of his limited access to a typewriter or computer while in prison.  Hale continues to insist that the dialogue on audio tapes heard by the jury, in which he talks with Anthony Evola, an FBI informant, does not refer to killing Judge Lefkow herself, but possibly to killing two other individuals also discussed on the tape.

Should Hale's current appeal be denied, he can appeal to a higher court.   

Hale's group, the Creativity Movement, has decreased significantly in numbers since Hale's arrest, and lacks clear leadership or focus.