The Most Trusted Wage and Hour Attorney in Santa Clarita is Here to Help You Recover What You’re Owed! 

Few things are as frustrating as feeling taken advantage of in the workplace. You show up and give your all. Yet, your boss exploits you by forcing you to work late without overtime pay, denying legally required breaks, or even misclassifying you as an independent contractor.

All of these scenarios can leave you feeling powerless, and unfortunately, they’re quite common. The good news, though, is that California and the Federal government have given you more rights as a worker than you may realize. You might have a case to reclaim unpaid wages.

You just need the help of a trusted wage and hour lawyer in Santa Clarita!

Starpoint Law is passionate about protecting the rights of California’s workforce, the backbone of our great state. Our wage and hour attorney in Santa Clarita is eager to hear your story and determine whether you have a case or not. Get in touch today for a free consultation!

Common Cases of Wage and Hour Law Violation in Santa Clarita

There are so many different cases our wage and hour lawyer in Santa Clarita has taken on, from unpaid overtime to misclassification, and many, many more. 

So often employees are taken advantage of without even realizing employment laws have been broken. Understanding your rights is the first step towards achieving workplace justice.

Unpaid Overtime

Non-exempt employees in California are entitled to overtime pay at 1.5 times their regular hourly rate for hours worked beyond 8 hours in a day or 40 hours in a week. 

Employees also get 1.5 times their hourly rate in the first 8 hours on the seventh consecutive workday in a workweek. For hours exceeding 12 in a single day or 8 on the seventh consecutive day, employees are to be paid double their regular rate. 

However, we frequently see employers evading these requirements by misclassifying employees, manipulating time records, or pressuring workers to work off the clock.

Misclassification of Employees

Employers wrongly label workers as independent contractors or exempt employees to avoid paying overtime, benefits, or adhering to other labor protections. This is known as misclassification and is in direct violation of California Assembly Bill 5 (AB-5).

It states that employers must meet strict criteria to classify someone as an independent contractor. If you’ve been misclassified you may be entitled to back wages, overtime, and benefits. Consulting a wage and hour attorney in Santa Clarita is a good next step.

Failure to Provide Meal and Rest Breaks

You might know you are allowed a lunch break, but did you know you get other mandatory breaks under California labor laws as well? Legally required breaks include:

  • A 30-minute meal break for shifts over 5 hours.
  • A second 30-minute meal break for shifts exceeding 10 hours.
  • A 10-minute rest break for every 4 hours worked.

Whether your employer interrupts your breaks or outright denies them, your rights have been violated and you’re entitled to an additional hour of pay for each violation per the California Labor Code Section 512. It’s worth consulting a wage and hour lawyer in Santa Clarita.

Unpaid Wages and Minimum Wage Violations

California’s minimum wage laws are clear: employers must pay at least the state-mandated or locally mandated minimum wage, whichever is higher. 

Here in Santa Clarita, the minimum wage is subject to Los Angeles County regulations, which exceed state standards. There are so many ways in which employers try to get around paying the minimum wage, including:

  • Withholding wages for hours worked.
  • Paying below the legal minimum wage.
  • Failing to provide timely paychecks

If any of these violations have happened to you, don’t hesitate to connect with a wage and hour lawyer in Santa Clarita - you are not only entitled to backpay but could be paid out interest as well!

Illegal Paycheck Deductions

Certain jobs require specialized tools, uniforms, or other job-related supplies. As a California employee you are not expected to pay for these things yourself - your employer is. 

They cannot deduct expenses from your paycheck unless explicitly authorized by law. Any unauthorized deductions violate the California Labor Code Section 221 and may entitle employees to recover the withheld amounts. 

If your boss has asked you to buy essential tools, uniforms, or anything else for the job on your own behalf, you may have a case. Contact a wage and hour attorney in Santa Clarita to find out what your next steps should be.

Denied Sick Leave or Paid Time Off

California’s Paid Sick Leave Law grants employees 1 hour of paid sick leave for every 30 hours worked. Vacation time, if promised, is considered earned wages and must be paid out upon termination. 

Refusing or discouraging employees from using these benefits is a direct violation of the law. Speaking of which, employers cannot discriminate against you if you choose to report any wage and hour violations. 

Whether it’s through reduced hours, demotions, or wrongful termination, retaliation is expressly prohibited under California Labor Code Section 98.6. Additional financial compensation may be possible if you are retaliated against. 

But what are your next steps if you suspect you’re a victim of wage theft or some other labor violation? It’s all about compiling evidence and contacting a wage and hour attorney in Santa Clarita. 

Compiling Evidence for Wage and Hour Legal Proceedings

The stronger your evidence about wage and hour violations, the easier it will be to settle outside of court. Here are some of the most common types of evidence worth compiling for a case of this nature:

  • Document Hours Worked: Keep a personal record of your hours worked, including start and end times, breaks taken, and any overtime. Compare these records with your pay stubs to identify discrepancies.
  • Collect Pay Stubs and Employment Agreements: Gather all documentation related to your employment, including pay stubs, contracts, offer letters, and employee handbooks. These often contain details about classification, pay structure, and workplace policies.
  • Save Correspondence: Emails, text messages, or written communication with your employer regarding hours, pay, or any issues you’ve raised should all be saved as they can provide insight into your employer’s intent and practices.
  • Identify Witnesses: Co-workers who have experienced similar treatment or observed violations can provide valuable testimony to support your case.

Your best bet is to contact a skilled wage and hour lawyer in Santa Clarita to discuss next steps. They’ll be able to provide a better understanding of what your options are and how strong a case you have. They may even be able to assist in the evidence gathering process.

While many cases of workplace injustice are settled outside of court, you want the right wage and hour attorney in Santa Clarita in case things do escalate to formal legal proceedings. Fortunately, your search for the most trusted legal team in Santa Clarita ends at Starpoint Law.

We’ll Be Your Wage and Hour Lawyer in Santa Clarita in the Pursuit of Workplace Justice!

We believe every worker deserves fair treatment and compensation, and are passionate about fighting on your behalf when you’ve been taken advantage of. Holding employers accountable is what we do best.

From the moment you contact us, we take the time to understand your unique circumstances and craft a legal strategy tailored to your needs. Your initial consultation is 100% free and there are no strings attached. 

Our team has an in-depth knowledge of California labor laws and a proven track record of recovering unpaid wages, overtime, and benefits for workers across the state. We can help you weigh your options and set your expectations for what’s possible. 

We also understand the emotional toll these disputes can take, which is why we’re here to offer compassionate, personalized support throughout the process. 

As the #1 employment lawyer Santa Clarita workers rely on you can also count on us for any other instances of wrongdoing in the workplace - whether you need a pregnancy discrimination lawyer Santa Clarita or a disability discrimination lawyer Santa Clarita.

On that note, we’re also proud to serve as a California wage and hour lawyer outside the city limits of Santa Clarita. We’ve taken on cases and achieved favorable outcomes for clients across the entire Los Angeles and Southern California region, including locations like:

Don’t let wage violations go unchallenged. Contact Starpoint Law today for a free consultation and let us help you reclaim what’s rightfully yours. We’ll fight for justice together and make sure your voice is heard.