California, United States of America
The following excerpt is from People v. Hoeft-Edenfield, A128780 (Cal. App. 2012):
"When a court ' "knows or reasonably should know that a particular conflict exists," ' it should inquire into the conflict even in the absence of objection by the defendant or his or her counsel. [Citations.] . . . Although the trial court is required to perform some inquiry once it knows or reasonably should know of a particular conflict of interest, the court may decline to pursue the matter if, in its view, the potential for conflict is too slight." (People v. Cornwell (2005) 37 Cal.4th 50, 75, disapproved on other grounds in People v. Doolin, supra, 45 Cal.4th at p. 421 & fn. 22.)
The above passage should not be considered legal advice. Reliable answers to complex legal questions require comprehensive research memos. To learn more visit www.alexi.com.