Stockton Wage and Hour Claim Lawyer

Stockton Wage and Hour Claim Attorney

California has strict employment laws to protect workers from employers. Some of the most common infractions employers commit are wage and hour violations. When you suspect a supervisor is neglecting to pay you a fair wage or misclassifying your work to pay you less, it’s advisable to speak with a Stockton wage and hour claim lawyer.

The Fulton Law Corporation has over 23 years of experience defending employees’ rights against employers who take advantage of them. The company motto, “measured advice, zealous advocacy, and tireless dedication,” is how we approach every case. Our proven results show our clients how we live up to our motto.

Wage Theft

With the notable exception of fast-food and healthcare workers, who are paid a higher wage, the California minimum employee wage is $16.90 per hour as of January 1, 2026. Employees of McDonald’s, Dollar Tree, and other minimum wage employers in Stockton are due to be paid twice per month. When employers fail to pay the minimum wage, overtime, or benefits such as meal breaks, commissions, or tips, it is considered wage theft. Common Labor Code violations that are considered wage theft include:

• Section 204: Wages must be paid on time. The law states employers must pay wages every other week, or twice per month. For an initial violation, employers can be charged $100 per employee. A second violation can cost $200 per employee plus $25 of the amount unlawfully withheld.
• Section 206: If there is a dispute over wages, employers must pay the employee the balance of the wages until the dispute is decided. If the dispute is valid, the employer must pay the balance within 10 days or pay triple damages.
• Section 226: California employers must provide employees with accurate wage statements. If the employer does not allow the employee access to their records within a reasonable time, the employee or Labor Commissioner may charge $750.
• Section 226.7: California employers must provide a meal or rest period. If an employer fails to provide a meal or rest period, they must pay the employee an additional hour of pay.
• Section 226.8: Employers must classify employees as hourly, salaried, or independent contractors. If the Labor and Workforce Development agency finds that an employer has willfully misclassified an employee as an independent contractor, they can fine the employer between $5,000 to $25,000.

While the Labor Commissioner can charge these civil penalties to the head of the company, employees are also entitled to collect statutory fees by filing a wage theft claim with the Labor Commissioner’s office or using the Private Attorneys General Act (PAGA). A knowledgeable Stockton wage and hour claim lawyer can help file an accurate claim and help recover a fair amount for your situation.

Why Hire a Wage and Hour Claim Lawyer?

California’s strict employee laws and regulations are updated yearly. With PAGA, it’s imperative to hire a wage and hour claim lawyer who knows which parts of the labor code your employer violated, understands the statute of limitations for specific civil claims, and has the negotiation and, if necessary, litigation skills to recover as much as possible for a worker.

Last year, nearly 19,000 workers filed claims for $338 million in lost or stolen wages. While wage theft can occur in any industry, in certain industries the problem is systemic. In 2022, California passed the Garment Workers’ Protection Act (SB62).

With so much at stake, a wage and hour claim lawyer who can advocate for the money you are rightfully owed is essential. At The Fulton Law Corporation, we aggressively pursue rightful wages, representing our clients and working toward the outcome they deserve.

FAQs

What Is the Process for Filing a Wage and Hour Claim in Stockton?

Wage and hour violations are filed with the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement (DLSE). Failure to meet any requirement in the process can result in a loss of rights. Plaintiffs must file:

• The initial complaint form
• Additional DLSE forms, depending on circumstances
• Supporting documents
• Collective bargaining agreement (if applicable)

After the plaintiff has filed the documents, an investigator is assigned to their claim. The commission can notify the plaintiff of a conference, a hearing, or a dismissal following the filing.

What Laws Protect Employees From Unpaid Wages and Overtime Violations in California?

Stockton, California has multiple laws that protect employees from unpaid wages and overtime violations. Key among them are the Labor Code and Wage Orders, enforced by the Labor Commissioner’s Office. Labor Code Section 1194 primarily covers overtime and minimum wage, and the Wage Theft Prevention Act (AB 469) compels employers to pay restitution to employees who have been subjected to wage theft.

A wage and hour claim attorney can help navigate the many laws that cover overtime and wage theft.

How Long Do I Have to File a Wage and Hour Claim in California?

Wage and hour claims in California have different statutes of limitations depending on what kind of claim you are making against your employer. Overtime or minimum wage violations, illegal pay deductions, and unpaid reimbursements must be filed within three years. Claims that an employer broke an oral agreement must be filed within two years. A Stockton wage and hour attorney from Fulton Law Corporation can help you understand the statute of limitations in your case.

How Can a Stockton Wage and Hour Claim Lawyer Help Recover Unpaid Wages and Penalties?

A Stockton wage and hour claim lawyer can help you recover unpaid wages and penalties from your employer through a thorough review of your case. At Fulton Law Corporation, our team can analyze the details of your case and apply all of the laws your employer broke to your claim. If you are from another city, our team can also determine whether your city has alternative wage and hour laws that may apply to your claim.

The Fulton Law Corporation Holds Employers Accountable

Jeffrey D. Fulton, of the Fulton Law Corporation, founded his practice to put clients first and hold employers accountable. He has litigated against some of the largest corporations in the world and has achieved success for his clients through trials, strategic negotiation, arbitration, and mediation.

When the Fulton Law Corporation takes on a client, we don’t see a number. We see individuals who need justice. If you have a wage and hour case, contact us today for a consultation.

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