Bakersfield Wage Theft Lawyer

Most people are grateful for their jobs and willing to put in a fair day’s work for their wages. Some employers, though, exploit their workers by failing to pay them what they have earned or withholding benefits required by law.

Contact our Bakersfield wage theft lawyer if you believe your employer is denying you money or benefits. Our employment attorneys advocate for workers and could help you recover everything you are owed.

Understanding How Employers Steal Wages

Many workers experience wage theft without realizing it. They may not be familiar with all the protections the law provides. When an employer denies their workers the legal protections they have earned, the employer is guilty of wage theft.

There are many ways employers commit wage theft, including:

Taking employees’ tips
Paying less than the minimum wage
Failing to pay overtime
Demanding unpaid work
Denying workers paid sick leave
Not offering breaks
Withholding a portion of a worker’s wages
Failing to pay wages on time
Denying employees reimbursement for legitimate business expenses

If you believe you have not received everything you are entitled to, you should contact our Bakersfield attorneys immediately regarding stolen wages.

Employers who intentionally divert more than $950 from one employee or more than $2,350 from multiple workers may face prosecution. However, a worker does not have to wait for criminal charges before they take action. As an hourly worker, exempt employee, or independent contractor, you can take steps to recover the money you earned.

File a Complaint With the Labor Commission

The California Labor Commission investigates complaints of wage fraud and wage theft. Workers can make claims in person, in writing, or online. If the Labor Commission finds the complaint valid, you are entitled to double the wages owed plus interest.

You will need documentation showing that you have not been paid appropriately. Depending on the circumstances, appropriate documentation could include pay stubs, work schedules and timesheets, records of sales and commissions, or a notice from your bank that a paycheck bounced. Emails and text messages from an employer can also help support a wage theft claim.

Unfortunately, the time frame for filing a complaint depends on the type of violation. It is best to file as soon as possible. If you are unsure whether it is too late to file a wage complaint, speak with one of our Bakersfield lawyers about your options.

Workers are sometimes reluctant to file a complaint because they fear getting fired or other retaliation. California Labor Code § 98.6 protects employees from being terminated, harassed, demoted, or denied promotions because they made a wage and hours report. A worker who is subjected to this kind of treatment can sue their employer for discrimination.

File a Wage and Hours Lawsuit

When a worker is owed a substantial sum or the employer has intentionally or systematically stolen wages from numerous employees, filing a lawsuit may be the best option. Because lawsuits can be stressful and time-consuming, you should explore all legal options with our Bakersfield wage theft attorney before deciding to pursue a case.

A successful lawsuit could award you double your back wages plus interest, one hour of pay for every break not received, attorneys’ fees, and court costs. In many cases, an employer that is liable for intentional wage theft will also face fines and other government actions.

Contact Our Bakersfield Attorneys If Your Employer Is Stealing Wages

You are in a difficult position when you need your job but your employer takes advantage of you. You also deserve to receive what you are owed, and the law is there to protect you.

Our Bakersfield wage theft lawyer could handle your case efficiently, effectively, and with compassion. You will not pay anything upfront, so get in touch with us today to discuss your situation with a caring attorney.