How do I know if I’m owed unpaid wages?

You may be owed unpaid wages if your hours, paychecks, or meal and rest breaks do not comply with California law, or if your employer altered or failed to accurately record your time worked.

Can I sue if I was misclassified as an independent contractor?

Yes. Workers who are misclassified as independent contractors may be entitled to recover unpaid overtime, missed meal and rest break pay, unreimbursed business expenses, and statutory penalties.

What if I don’t have all my time records?

You can still file a wage claim even without complete time records. California law allows employees to prove hours worked through their own testimony, reasonable estimates, and circumstantial evidence.

Can my employer fire me for filing a wage claim?

No. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate against an employee for asserting their wage and hour rights or filing a wage claim.

How far back can I claim unpaid wages?

In most cases, workers can recover unpaid wages going back three to four years, depending on the specific type of wage and hour violation involved.

Wage & Hour Violations

California Wage & Hour Violation Attorneys

When your employer doesn’t pay you what you’re owed, it isn’t a mistake, it’s illegal.California workers are protected by some of the strongest wage and hour laws in the country and you deserve every dollar you’ve earned.

If you’ve dealt with unpaid wages, off-the-clock work, missed breaks, overtime violations, or misclassification, you’re not alone, and you don’t have to navigate this on your own. You have rights. Your employer has obligations. And we’re here to make sure they live up to them.

At Ranen Khademi PC, we represent employees across California in all types of wage theft and labor law claims. As former defense attorneys, we understand exactly how employers try to justify underpaying workers, and we know how to expose those violations and fight for the compensation you are owed.

What Counts as Wage Theft in California?

Wage theft can happen to anyone — hourly workers, salaried employees, contractors, and supervisors. And it often happens in ways employees don’t immediately recognize.

Wage theft occurs whenever an employer fails to pay an employee all wages they legally earned. Under California Labor Code, this includes a wide range of violations.

Common examples of wage theft include:

Unpaid Wages & Off-the-Clock Work

Employers cannot require you to work without pay, even briefly. A few minutes of unpaid work per shift can add up to significant owed wages under California law. This includes time spent:

Opening or closing the workplace

Responding to messages or emails

Working through breaks

Putting on or removing protective gear

Waiting for assignments

Overtime Violations

California overtime laws are some of the strictest in the nation. If you worked beyond regular hours, you may be owed more than you realize. You may be owed overtime if you worked:

More than 8 hours in a day

More than 40 hours in a week

More than 6 consecutive days

“Double time” hours

Missed Meal & Rest Breaks

If your employer denies, interrupts, or shortens legally required breaks, you may be owed penalty payments.

Employee Misclassification

Many workers are illegally labeled as “independent contractors” or misclassified as salaried to avoid paying overtime and benefits.

This includes:

Independent contractor misclassification

Exempt vs. non-exempt misclassification

Managers or supervisors misclassified as exempt

A proper classification depends on the actual job duties, not the title your employer gives you.

Unpaid Minimum Wage

California’s minimum wage applies to all employees, regardless of immigration status or payment structure.

Illegal Deductions

Employers cannot deduct wages for:

Cash shortages

Broken equipment

Uniforms

Mistakes

Customer walkouts

If your employer is underpaying you, you may be entitled to unpaid wages, penalties, damages, and attorney’s fees.

Understand Your Rights in California: Wage & Hour Violations Laws

Several California laws protect your right to fair pay. Some of the most important include: California’s wage laws offer powerful protections for workers, including:

California Labor Code: State laws governing minimum wage, overtime, meal/rest breaks, and penalties for late or unpaid wages.
Wage Orders (IWC Orders): Industry-specific rules employers must follow.
Labor Code Section 226: Wage Statements: Employers must provide accurate pay stubs. Missing or incorrect information may entitle you to penalties.
Labor Code Section 203: Waiting Time Penalties: If your employer fails to pay all final wages upon termination, you may be owed up to 30 days of additional pay.
Labor Code Section 1194: Unpaid Wages & Overtime Claims: Gives workers the right to sue for unpaid minimum wages and overtime plus attorney’s fees.
DLSE / Labor Commissioner Claims: We assist employees pursuing wage claims through the Labor Commissioner, as well as filing civil lawsuits.

These protections apply whether you were paid hourly, salary, commission, or piece-rate.

Why Choose Ranen Khademi PC

Former Defense Attorneys

We’ve worked on the other side and know how employers and their lawyers build their cases.

Strategic Insight

Our team anticipates defense tactics and builds proactive, evidence-based strategies to counter them.

Personal Attention

You’ll work directly with experienced attorneys who take the time to understand your story.

Proven Results

Our firm has secured significant settlements and verdicts for employees across California.

Hear From Our Clients

“Working with Jeff at Ranen Khademi PC in LA was a genuinely positive experience. Although the firm is relatively new, its deep industry connections and decades of expertise rival those of larger, longer-established firms while delivering a more personalized, high-touch experience. Jeff’s extensive knowledge and network provide invaluable insights, whether you’re exploring potential legal issues or simply seeking guidance.”

“Jeff and the team at Ranen Khademi PC are the best of the best. I would highly recommend them for any employment matter, as they would be your best option to get you what you deserve. They were aggressive, very knowledgeable, transparent and beyond capable of representing me. If you want results, Jeff and team will have your back.”

“Jeff was my attorney and let me tell you that you are lucky if he takes your case. This guy is pure beastmode. I was highly selective in choosing who to partner with and right away you can tell the pro vs the amateurs. It’s really great to have someone that understands, empathizes and most importantly amplifies your voice in speaking up and fighting on your behalf. I will always be grateful for his help and I could not give a higher recommendation. Yelp only allows 5-stars max and I’d easily give him 10+.”

“During a difficult time in my life, I turned to Jeff to assist me & he took a chance on my case! This opportunity led me to meet Parisa, who played an integral role in my case's success. They communicated often with me & explained the process step by step. The support & team effort was outstanding! Everyone on the team, down to the assistant Alexandra, was pleasant & helpful. I am truly grateful to them for making such a difficult time in my life, seemingly a breeze. I would highly recommend Ranen Khademi PC for your legal matters!”

Our Process

Free Consultation

We listen to your story, discuss your concerns, and explain your rights under the law.

Case Evaluation

We thoroughly review your situation, analyze relevant facts, and determine potential claims under both California and federal law.

Negotiation or Litigation

Based on our findings, we seek a fair resolution through negotiation or prepare for trial if needed.

Support Throughout

We keep you informed, answer your questions, and provide compassionate guidance at every stage.

Contact Our California Wage and Hour Violations Attorneys Today

If your employer failed to pay you correctly, you may be entitled to unpaid wages, penalties, and compensation. The attorneys at Ranen Khademi PC are ready to fight for your rights and recover what you’re owed.

Serving clients throughout Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino, Orange County, San Diego, the Bay Area, and across California.

Frequently Asked Questions

If your hours, paychecks, or breaks don’t match California law, or if your employer altered your timecards you may be owed compensation.

Yes. Misclassified workers may recover unpaid overtime, meal/rest break pay, business expenses, and penalties.

You can still file a claim. California allows workers to prove hours worked through testimony, estimates, or circumstantial evidence.

No. Retaliation for asserting your wage rights is illegal.

Typically 3–4 years, depending on the type of violation.