Understanding Wage And Hour Violations In Los Angeles

Last updated on April 13, 2026

In the workplace, every employee has the right to fair compensation for their labor. Unfortunately, wage and hour violations are common issues that many workers face, even being one of the most common forms of theft in the country. If an employer is keeping you from the money you earned, you can take legal action to secure the justice you deserve.

At Reisman & Reisman, Attorneys at Law, we are committed to helping you fight for the wages you have rightfully earned. Our experienced attorneys know the challenges of wage and hour violation claims and are prepared to do what is necessary to hold the liable party accountable for their actions, no matter how they violated your income.

Common Forms Of Wage And Hour Violations

Wage and hour violations occur when employers fail to comply with labor laws that govern how employees should be paid and treated regarding their work hours. Some common examples include:

• Unpaid overtime: When an employee exceeds 40 hours of work in a week and is not paid for the hours over those 40 hours, or an employer moves those excess hours to the following pay week.
• Denied meal and rest breaks: When employers fail to provide an employee with the legally required meal and rest breaks they deserve.
• Working off the clock: When employers tell employees to complete work tasks when the employee is off the clock.

These practices are illegal under California labor laws, and if you have experienced any of these issues, you may be entitled to compensation.

What You Can Do About Wage and Hour Violations At Your Job?

If you believe you are a victim of wage and hour violations, it is crucial to understand your legal rights and options. We are committed to helping individuals instead of pursuing class actions so we can provide each of our clients with the personalized and committed representation they deserve. As your legal representation, we will take on the work of reviewing all of the information surrounding your issue, collecting any evidence to support your claim, and advocating for you through negotiations and litigation.

Our experienced attorneys have a deep understanding of California labor laws and are passionate about protecting workers’ rights. We are here to guide you through every step of the legal process, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are upheld.

Frequently Asked Questions About California Wage And Hour Violations

There can be a lot of misunderstandings and confusion about wage and hour violations. Here are the answers to some common concerns:

How can I determine if my employer is violating wage and hour laws?

Wage theft can involve situations where you are denied mandatory minimum wages, denied overtime pay when you have worked more than 40 hours in a single work week or you are asked to work “off the clock.” Other signs of wage theft include being misclassified as an independent contractor or as an “exempt” employee who is not due overtime.

If you suspect your employer is violating wage and hour laws, you should review your pay stubs, track your hours and speak with a California wage and hour attorney.

How long do I have to file a claim for a wage and hour violation in California?

It is important to file a wage and hour violation claim within California’s statute of limitations. The statute of limitations refers to the deadline you have to file a claim, and it can vary according to your situation. You have:

• One year for a bounced payroll check or when an employer fails to give you access to your payroll or personnel records
• Two years for an employer’s broken oral promises to pay you more than minimum wage
• Three years for typical wage and hour violations, including unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, breaks or sick leave violations or illegal deductions 
• Four years for violations of a written contract 

Because the issues can be confusing, it is wisest to speak to an attorney as soon as possible. 

What evidence do I need to support my wage and hour violation claim?

Evidence is key to any wage and hour violation claim, and that can include:

• Pay stubs and invoices
• Coworker statements 
• Work schedules
• Email and texts
• Employment contracts
• Personal logs and notes

Bring everything you have to your first appointment with your attorney.

Take Action Today With Our Beverly Hills Employment Law Team

If you believe that your employer is keeping you from the full paycheck you deserve, contact our Beverly Hills office today. Call us at 310-362-3905 or email us here to schedule your initial consultation to put a stop to your wage and hour violations.