Stacie L. Patterson Law Blog

In 1978, film director Roman Polanski fled the United States to avoid formal sentencing regarding unlawful sexual intercourse charges.  Charges that he pled guilty to, in order  to avoid six felony counts, including rape by use of drugs and child molestation. 

Polanski was sentenced to 90 days in prison for psychiatric evaluation and released  after 42 days.  Upon hearing that the judge intended to send Polanski back to prison for  the remainder of his term, he went to France, a Country that does not extradite its  citizens. 

Polanski was taken into Swiss custody in September when he arrived in Zurich to receive a lifetime achievement award at a film festival.  Authorities in Los Angeles want him  returned to the U.S. to be sentenced.  In the meantime, Polanski was released after posting a $4.5 million bail and has persuaded Swiss authorites to allow him to serve the remainder  of his incarceration under house arrest, which begins today.  His home in the alps has been  fitted with an electronic surveillance system and he must wear an ankle bracelet  that tracks his movements.

"The permanent electronic tagging technology will trigger an alarm if Polanski  leaves the house or removes the bracelet," the Swiss justice office said.

Polanski's lawyers will seek to have the charges dropped in a U.S. appeals court, in  addition to the legal team for the vicitm, claiming the media attention is disrupting her life.  Polanski, now 76, was in his 40's when his alleged crime was commited, his victim;  13 years old.

If he is extradited, the lawyers of the director will appeal with the Swiss courts.  An appeal could hold up the case for many months.  If the terms of his house arrest are  violated, Polanski forfeits his bail.