To: Congressman Buck McKeon
From: Linda VanWinkle, Attorney

Re: Christopher Sinback

Date: July 10, 2007

Dear Sir;

I represented Christopher Sinback for a time in 1990 when he was charged with arson, a serious felony. As you must know, his immigration status is now affected by that case.

The facts of the case were as follows: Chris lived in an apartment building in Anaheim. One day he set fire to a stack of telephone books that had been stacked in the hallway against a wall. The fire smoldered for some time. It was discovered and extinguished. There was some charring to the wall immediately adjacent to the telephone books.

He was questioned by police officers and denied setting the fire. Some time later the police officers took him to the police department and questioned him again. They gave him a Miranda warning which I am confident he did not understand. After about an hour Chris told them that he had set the fire. Later he told them that he had lied…that he had not set the fire. He was arrested.

I had the case up to and including the preliminary hearing. The case was then assigned to a trial attorney in my office, Mr. James Appel. Chris was seen by a psychologist who advised that Chris had a low IQ and little true understanding of his current situation. The doctor recommended Chris be committed to Metropolitan State Hospital. Chris entered a plea of guilty and was sent to California State Prison in Chino for diagnostic services and then to another facility. He served a total of approximately 20 months in custody. It is my understanding that he lives with his stepfather, Mr. Krelle and has not been in any kind of trouble for nine years.

I do know that the current immigration laws are quite Draconian and that Chris is in danger of being deported. This would be a tragedy as he has been in the U.S.A. for nearly all his life and he is safe and well with his stepfather. It is my hope that somehow you can intercede on his behalf.

Sincerely,

Linda VanWinkle, Attorney

Asst. Director