is-x-legal criminal-procedure professional-ethics bar-association
A prosecutor and a defense attorney have a romantic relationship. What consequences could happen if caught?
<p>Perhaps more of a question concerning legal culture than individual laws.  I am writing a story with this as a subplot, and I want to know what could happen to either party if a judge/prosecutor's office/public defender's office/bar association etc were to find out.</p>

<p>If the two lawyers will never be on opposing sides of a case, there's no conflict of interest and thus nobody cares.  For example, two lawyers in different fields probably won't encounter a conflict.</p>
<p>If the lawyers are involved in the same field, there's a risk of a conflict of interest.  Normally, the lawyers can shield themselves from legal trouble by disclosing the conflict any time it comes up.  Where possible, the lawyers should avoid such cases before the conflict even starts (i.e., a lawyer should not take a case if they believe that the other lawyer will be on the other side).  Similarly, disclosing the relationship to their boss allows their boss to avoid assigning such cases.</p>
<p>In short: Such a relationship could have consequences, but a competent, ethical lawyer is unlikely to experience them.</p>
