1969

Roman Polanski's wife Sharon Tate slain by the Manson family.

1977

Polanski has sex with a 13-year-old model in L.A. Pleads guilty to reduced charges of "unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor" as part of a plea bargain and undergoes psychiatric evaluation in a prison facility.

1978

Polanski flees to France, where he has citizenship. A U.S. warrant is issued for his arrest but France has a limited extradition agreement with the U.S.

1989

The Polanski case judge, Laurence Rittenband, steps down.

1997

Attempt to settle case fails.

2003

Victim Samantha Geimer says Polanski has been punished enough.

2008

Documentary "Roman Polanski: Wanted and Desired" is released. It makes a detailed case for misconduct by Judge Rittenband and prosecutors.

Polanski's legal team asks that case be dismissed, in part because of information in "Wanted."
 
2009

New Polanski motions filed to dismiss case and to move it out of L.A., where alleged judicial misconduct occurred.

Polanski's motions denied. He's told to surrender before any deal can be reached. He appeals.

On September 26, the director is arrested in at Zurich airport.