Film director Roman Polanski has asked a judge in Los Angeles to sentence him in absentia over the sexual assault of a girl, then aged 13, in 1977.
Judge Peter Espinoza said he would consider the request at a hearing scheduled for 22 January.
Polanski, 76, is under house arrest at his Swiss chalet and is fighting extradition to the United States.
Prosecutors said they opposed any effort to sentence Polanski before he appears in court.
Judge Espinoza said he wanted to see legal briefs to explain why sentencing in absentia would be appropriate.
The BBC reports Polanski faces a sentence of two years on a guilty plea, though his lawyers are expected to request he not serve any additional time.
A California appeals court last month rejected a request by Polanski to have the case dropped on the grounds of judicial misconduct. However, the appeals court suggested he ask to be sentenced in absentia.
Switzerland is expected to decide whether or not to extradite Polanski early this year, though he could appeal.
Polanski fled the United States in 1978 after pleading guilty to having unlawful sex with an underage girl.
He has been fitted with an electronic bracelet by Swiss authorities to prevent him absconding.
