One of the most important principles of American employment law is the payment of wages earned for the work you have performed. The unfortunate reality is that common wage theft and overtime violations in California still occur, whether you work in Long Beach at a hotel or are an office worker in Buena Park. If you believe you’ve suffered wage theft or an overtime violation, the experienced legal team at Kristy & Kananen is here to protect your right to compensation.
At Kristy & Kananen, we have represented countless employees across the state of California when it comes to seeking justice for violations of their very basic wage and hour laws. We can thoroughly investigate your claim, research the issue, uncover evidence, and advocate for your rights in a courtroom if we cannot reach a fair and full settlement through negotiations. Through our effort and experience, we are here to deliver justice.
Common Wage Theft and Overtime Violations in California
While California boasts some of the strictest wage and hour laws in the nation, individuals still face violations every day when they show up and clock in to work. In 2025 alone, around 19,000 workers filed claims of alleged wage theft, and affected workers in four of California’s largest metropolitan areas lost around $4,000 in deserved annual pay.
There are a number of ways employers can steal wages or violate your overtime rights. These include:
- Failure to pay: In the most obvious of cases, your employer may decide to not pay your wages at all. For example, this might occur if you are fired by your employer and then they withhold your final paycheck. This is illegal, and an attorney can help.
- Deducting pay: You may suffer a deduction from your paycheck or be charged for the equipment that is needed to carry out your work duties.
- Misclassification: Your employer may misclassify you as an independent contractor to deny you certain benefits and pay you less. They may also try to classify you as a nonexempt managerial worker to avoid paying you overtime.
- Denied minimum wage: One of the most common and obvious ways an employer can violate your wage and hour rights is by not paying you the state, city, or county minimum wage.
- Off-the-clock work: If your employer has demanded you work before or after your scheduled shift without pay, that is a direct violation of your wage and hour rights, and you need to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
Why Does Wage Theft Go Undetected?
In California, many employees might not recognize a wage and hour violation when it first takes place. Some employers can try to hide these violations through a complicated series of differing pay practices. Other issues arise when an employee is simply never made aware of their rights.
Wage theft and overtime violations can largely go unnoticed because California employees:
- Might not keep track of their hours
- Do not understand state overtime rules
- Assume their upper management is aware of and following the law
- Trust their employer’s payroll calculations
- Fear retaliation from their employer if they begin asking questions
- Believe that a small shortage is not worth making into a big deal
About Kristy & Kananen
Since our firm was established in 2000, the team at Kristy & Kananen has been balancing grace and grit alike. Grace for our clients and grit when it comes to facing employers, their legal teams, and tough insurance companies. We are not afraid of going up against even the largest corporations in court, should it be required to protect your rights.
We have recovered millions for past clients, and while these results can’t guarantee future outcomes, they do speak to our dedication to serving our clients and the quality representation we are determined to deliver.
FAQs
How Do I File a Wage Claim in California?
In California, if you believe your wage and hour rights have been violated, you have the ability to file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s office. To do so, it is important that you collect details regarding your employer, your work hours, and the violation itself, while also retaining copies of your pay stubs and wage statements.
What Industries Are Commonly Affected by Wage Theft and Overtime Violations?
In California, there are a number of industries that may be commonly affected by wage theft and overtime violations. The construction industry, for example, sees a high rate of these violations because employees are often misclassified as independent contractors. The healthcare industry, particularly jobs involving home health care workers, may experience unpaid overtime and misclassification violations.
What Is the Minimum Wage in California?
In California, the minimum wage currently is $16.90 an hour for most employees. As of April 2024, fast food restaurant workers are covered by a separate law and must be paid at least $20.00 an hour. Keep in mind that there are certain cities and counties where the minimum wage might be higher.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Wage and Hour Lawyer?
The costs involved with hiring a wage and hour lawyer can vary from case to case and lawyer to lawyer. In California, factors such as the complexity of your case, the ready availability of evidence, the duration of your case, and the skill level and experience of your attorney can all affect the final costs. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to pay us unless we secure compensation for you.
Hire a Wage and Hour Lawyer in California
If you believe your wage and hour rights have been violated in California, you need to hire a wage and hour lawyer as soon as possible. At Kristy & Kananen, our experienced employment lawyers are here to serve you. We recognize how hard you work for your paycheck, and you may be entitled to more than just your unpaid wages. Contact our Long Beach office today to learn more about our legal services and to schedule a free consultation.
