I started thinking about some of the cases I’ve reported over the years, including as an Orlando official court reporter in the ’80s. We had a young defendant appearing for sentencing before Judge Gary Formet, r.i.p.
I can’t remember what the Defendant was charged with, but I remember the judge getting some background from him:
Q. Where do you live?                            A. With my parents.
Q. Do you work and where?                  A. Yes. McDonald’s.
Q. How much do you make a month?  A. About $950 a month.
Q. Do you have a car?                            A. Yes.
Q. What kind of car do you drive?       A. A new Porsche.
(At this point all activity stopped; all eyes were on the Defendant).
Q. Do you own it outright or are you making payments? A. I’m making payments.
Q. How much are your payments?    A. About $950 a month!
I can’t remember what happened after that except the Court had a field day. I seem to recall the judge telling him he had to pay court costs and fees and he didn’t care if he had to sell the Porsche to do it!
I’m glad you liked it. This event happened almost twenty years ago and I still chuckle when I think about it.