What am I to do?

75% of my 5th period class is either on probation or has been at some point in their short life.  From assault to car theft and just about everything in between, someone in that class has done it.  How can a writing assignment or any other consequence for breaking a classroom rule carry any weight when they can scoff and laugh at the punishments affixed by the legal system for breaking the law?  It's no small wonder why some of these kids are not fazed by the consequences put in place not only by me, but by the school administrators.  

Normally, we don't have any problems, I feel like my classroom management is strong and keeps the class in line.  However, when we do have a problem, I can understand why they laugh when they have to write a paragraph or else get a "0" for the day, or why they say, "I don't care" when they are assigned to ISS or even sent home for 3 days. 

Is there a solution?