Case chronology

A summary of Jose Padilla's arrest and appeals.

2002

May 8 Padilla arrives at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport after an overseas trip, carrying $10,526, a cellphone and e-mail addresses for Al Qaeda operatives. He is arrested on a material witness warrant.

2003

Dec. 18 The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit orders Padilla to be released from military custody within 30 days and if the government chooses, tried in civilian courts.

2004

Jan. 22 The Second Circuit suspends its ruling after the Bush administration appeals the case to the US Supreme Court.

2005

Sept. 9 A panel of the US Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit rules that the government can continue to hold Padilla indefinitely. Padilla appeals the appeals court decision to the Supreme Court.

Nov. 22 Padilla is indicted by a federal grand jury in Miami on charges that he conspired to ''murder, kidnap and maim" people overseas.

2006

Jan. 4 Supreme Court agrees to let the military transfer Padilla to Miami to face criminal charges, overruling the Fourth Circuit.

Jan. 12 Padilla pleads not guilty to charges alleging he was part of a secret network that supported Muslim terrorists.

Yesterday Supreme Court rejects Padilla's appeal, although Chief Justice John Roberts and other key justices said that they would be watching to ensure Padilla receives the protections ''guaranteed to all federal criminal defendants."

SOURCE: Department of Justice, court filings