U.S. Files Official Extradition Request

The U.S. government officially requested the extradition of director Roman Polanski from Switzerland, said Swiss officials Friday. They were asked he be returned to California where Polanski's sexual assault case of 30 years back is still pending. If returned, the director could spend up to two years in prison.

The request was filed late Thursday and was forwarded to Zurich where the request will be processed, according to abcnews.com.

If extradition is approved, Polanski will most likely appeal in Switzerland's top criminal court, thereby extending his jail time.

The outlook doesn't look great for Polanski. He has twice been denied bail and Swiss authorities encouraged the U.S. to act swiftly with the extradition request, which was technically not due until November.

There is no word yet from the Los Angeles County district attorney's office.