Wage Theft

Wage theft is a crime in California that happens all too often. According to a recent UCLA study, about 8 out of 10 low-paid workers in some of the major metropolitan areas of California experience wage theft. These victims tend to also be the victims of discrimination, as women and workers of color are significantly more likely to experience stolen wages.

California is one of the states where wage theft is the worst. In Los Angeles, low-wage workers lose about $26.2 million every week due to wage theft violations, which makes L.A. the wage theft capital of the country. Here in San Diego alone, millions upon millions of dollars are taken from employees every year. In some industries, wage theft is so rampant that just about everyone is vulnerable.

Even worse, many of the victims of wage theft do not understand that they are being victimized. Wage theft includes any action that makes an employee receive less pay than they should have for the amount worked. Any time that you are paid less than minimum wage not paid overtime wages for working overtime, not allowed to take the meal and rest breaks you deserve or do not receive your tips, you have become a victim of wage theft. Wage theft does not have to be overt. Even subtle pressure to make workers work overtime for no additional pay can be a form of wage theft.

What Can Wage Theft Victims Do?

Since many victims of wage theft work with little job security and sometimes are part of other disadvantaged populations, such as immigrants or those poorly educated, many victims fear reporting wage theft. This should not be the case. All workers in California are protected by labor laws, regardless of immigration status, race, or other factors.

If you have had your wages unfairly taken or withheld, it’s important to file a complaint, so that you can recover the money that you deserve. No matter what your job, you deserve recover all the pay you have earned. With the help of an experienced San Diego lawyer, you may be able to file a complaint with the proper authorities and force your employer to pay.

If you think your employer may have been stealing your hard-earned wages, it’s time to discuss your case with the experienced San Diego criminal defense attorneys at McElfresh Law. Call us today at to set up a free consultation. We will always fight for your rights every step of the way.