Minimum Wage Violations

California has some of the highest minimum wage standards in the country, and employers are legally required to comply with both state and local wage laws.

Trusted Counsel

Client Advocacy

Workplace Justice

Proven Results

When an employer pays less than the applicable minimum wage, the employee may be entitled to back pay, penalties, and interest.

Current Minimum Wage Laws

As of January 1, 2024:

The statewide minimum wage is $16.00 per hour for all employers, regardless of size.
Local ordinances may set higher rates. Cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Jose have their own minimum wage laws that override the state minimum when higher.

Employers must pay the highest applicable minimum wage—whether local, state, or federal.

Case Results

$120,000

Wage Dispute

$300,000

Safety Violation / Retaliation

$400,000

Wrongful Termination

$350,000

Discrimination

$75,000

Break Violations

$500,000

Harassment / Hostile Work Environment

Past case results are not a guarantee of future performance. Outcomes vary according to the unique facts of each case.

Types of Minimum Wage Violations

Paying below the state or local
minimum wage

Misclassifying non-exempt employees
as independent contractors to avoid wage laws

Deducting time or expenses that reduce
wages below the minimum threshold

Failing to pay for all hours worked,
including pre-shift prep, closing duties,
or off-the-clock work

Even if an employee agrees to work for less, such an agreement is not legally enforceable.

What Sets Us Apart

Decades of Experience

Proven Results

Focused on You

Legal Rights of Employees

Employees who are underpaid may file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office or pursue a lawsuit for unpaid wages. Employers cannot retaliate against an employee for asserting their wage rights.

Claims can go back up to three years—or four years if filed under California’s Unfair Competition Law.

Remedies and Penalties

When minimum wage violations are proven, employees may recover:

Unpaid wages

Liquidated damages equal to the unpaid amount

Interest on unpaid wages

Penalties for wage statement violations

Attorney’s fees and court costs

In some cases, civil penalties may also apply, especially if multiple employees are affected.

Get in Touch

Speak with a confidential and compassionate attorney today.

First Name*

Last Name*

Phone*

Email*

Type of Case*

Company/Employer*

Work Address*

Number of Employees

Position(s) Held*

Employment Start Date*

Last Date of Employment*

Hourly Rate or Annual Salary Amount ($)

Date(s) of Incident(s)*

How did you hear about us?*

Briefly Describe What Happened to You*

By checking this box, you agree to receive recurring messages from CA Employment Attorneys, Reply STOP to Opt out. Reply HELP for help. Message frequency varies. Message and data rates may apply.

Submitting this form does not create an attorney–client relationship. Do not include confidential or case-specific information. Tracking technologies remain disabled until you consent.