Published by Leonardo Calcagno
When it comes to the law, misinformation spreads quickly, usually through social media, outdated assumptions, or stories told by “someone who knew someone.” But for business owners, professionals, and everyday individuals, believing the wrong thing at the wrong time can lead to costly mistakes. To help clear the air, we interviewed seven lawyers across very different practice areas, DUI, family, corporate, criminal, immigration, assault, and estate law, each of whom shared a major myth they see regularly and the truth people need to know.
The result is a practical, eye-opening look at how the law really works behind the scenes.
The DUI Lawyer: “No, you can’t talk your way out of a DUI.”
Many people assume a friendly conversation, an excuse, or a quick explanation will smooth things over during a DUI stop says Toronto criminal lawyer Calvin Barry. According to Mr. Barry this is one of the most persistent, and dangerous, myths.
The Myth:
“If I’m polite and explain myself, the officer will let me go.”
The Reality:
DUI investigations follow strict protocols. Officers aren’t evaluating your personality; they’re assessing impairment based on objective signs such as speech, balance, driving behavior, and the presence of alcohol. Attempting to argue, overshare, or justify yourself can make things worse and may even be recorded as evidence.
What People Should Know:
Understanding your rights, including the right to counsel and when you must comply with roadside testing, matters more than charm. Mr. Barry explained that preparation and knowledge are what truly protect people, not persuasive conversation.
The Family Lawyer: “Mothers do not automatically get custody.”
According to Mississauga family lawyer Malerie Rose, Family law has evolved dramatically, yet this myth persists due to outdated norms and stories passed down through generations.
The Myth:
“Mothers always get custody in a separation.”
The Reality:
Modern family courts prioritize the best interests of the child, which usually includes strong relationships with both parents. Shared parenting, joint decision-making, and cooperative arrangements are now the norm in many jurisdictions.
What People Should Know:
Judges evaluate factors such as stability, communication, parenting involvement, and the child’s needs, not gender. Malerie emphasized that parents who approach separation with a cooperative mindset often achieve better outcomes for their children and themselves.
The Corporate Lawyer: “A handshake agreement is not enough.”
In the business world, personal relationships often drive deals. But relying on trust alone can lead to misunderstandings, legal disputes, and expensive litigation says Brampton corporate lawyer Birpal Benipal with Benipal Law Professional Corporation.
The Myth:
“If we both agree verbally, we don’t need a contract.”
The Reality:
Verbal agreements can be enforceable in some cases, but they’re notoriously difficult to prove. Even well-intentioned business partners can interpret terms differently or forget key details over time.
What People Should Know:
A written contract isn’t about distrust, it’s about clarity, risk management, and professional accountability. Mr. Benipal stressed that even simple agreements should be documented to protect all parties and keep business relationships healthy.
The Criminal Lawyer: “Police don’t always need a warrant.”
Pop culture has shaped many people’s understanding of criminal law, but real-world policing doesn’t always look like what’s shown on TV says Brampton criminal lawyer Akash Dhillon of A Dhillon Law.
The Myth:
“Police can’t do anything without a warrant.”
The Reality:
There are many legal exceptions. If officers have reasonable grounds, are in the midst of an active investigation, or face urgent circumstances, they may conduct certain searches or make arrests without a warrant.
What People Should Know:
Understanding the nuances, what police can and cannot do, helps individuals protect their rights appropriately. Mr. Dhillon noted that one of the biggest risks is when people act based on assumptions rather than asking for legal advice.
The Immigration Lawyer: “You cannot fix your status anytime you want.”
Immigration is one of the most complex areas of law, and misinformation spreads rapidly, especially online or within community groups says Ottawa Immigration lawyer Austin Mandall of Mandall Immigration Law.
The Myth:
“If you fall out of status, you can always fix it later.”
The Reality:
Immigration pathways are heavily regulated, and falling out of status can have serious consequences, including bans on re-entry, loss of work authorization, or removal proceedings. In many cases, options become dramatically limited once a person is out of status.
What People Should Know:
Proactive legal planning matters. Mr. Mandall emphasized the importance of seeking advice early, especially when visas, permits, or residency conditions are about to expire or change.
The Assault Lawyer: “Self-defence is not a guaranteed justification.”
Many people believe that claiming self-defence makes a charge disappear. Unfortunately, that’s far from the truth says Brampton assault lawyer Rupin Bal of Rupin Bal Law.
The Myth:
“If I say it was self-defence, the charges will be dropped.”
The Reality:
Self-defence is not a simple explanation, it’s a highly technical legal defence requiring proof of several conditions, including proportionality and reasonable belief of threat. Even when someone genuinely feels threatened, the legal threshold may not be met.
What People Should Know:
Mr. Bal noted that cases involving self-defence require careful analysis of evidence, context, and the actions of everyone involved. A lawyer must build the defence, not just assert it.
The Real Estate Lawyer: “A will does not automatically make things simple.”
Real Estate law seems straightforward, but it’s actually one of the most misunderstood areas. Many people assume that leaving behind a will prevents conflict says Maureen Kaur of Brampton’s Kaur Law.
The Myth:
“If there’s a will, everything will be easy.”
The Reality:
Wills can be contested, unclear, or incomplete. They do not prevent disputes among beneficiaries, nor do they override all financial or legal obligations. Issues like debts, taxes, blended families, and business assets can complicate matters significantly.
What People Should Know:
Proper estate planning requires more than a basic will. Mrs. Kaur explained that powers of attorney, beneficiary designations, updated documents, and professional advice all play a role in ensuring assets transfer smoothly.
Why These Myths Matter for Businesses and Professionals
Across all seven interviews, one theme stood out: legal misunderstanding leads to poor decisions. For business owners especially, believing the wrong myth can affect operations, finances, partnerships, and long-term strategy.
Whether it’s a handshake agreement gone sideways, an employee with immigration concerns, or an unexpected criminal or family issue affecting someone on the team, legal clarity reduces risk, and ultimately strengthens business resilience.
The law isn’t built on assumptions, rumors, or “things people say.” It’s built on frameworks, rights, obligations, and the specific details of each case. As the lawyers in this article emphasized, the truth is almost always more nuanced than the myth.
When in doubt, ask a professional, not the internet.
Photo by Moose Photos