Went to the courthouse and sat in on a trial where two 18 year olds had stolen a checkbook (yeah, this was mid '70s..) from a neighbor. They wrote checks to each other and signed the neighbor's signature but used each other's real names to make out the check. It was a short trial and judge gave the sentence on the spot. Probation and a fine. When the judge announced the fine the defense attorney said "Your honor, can they write a check for that?" There were only about 10 of us in the audience but we laughed so loud the judge yelled at us to knock it off.