At a trial, a witness (or a testifying defendant) can be impeached with his/her criminal history, if it involves felonies, or misdemeanors involving lying, cheating or stealing. Coworker Jessica was trying a shoplifter yesterday. He said he really didn't steal the cases of water on February 4, he had been by on February 1 and paid for seven cases of water but could only fit four in his van so he came back on the 4th to get the additional three.
On cross-examination, I was treated to the following comedic interlude...
J: Sir, have you ever been convicted of a felony?
D: Yeah, I guess so.
J: How many?
D: Maybe a couple.
J: How many is a couple, sir?
D:
J: Do you consider FIFTEEN a couple?
The judge practically got whiplash from her head turn from Jessica to the defendant.

Iron Duke #1471997.