You work hard — staying late, covering shifts, or handling extra responsibilities. But when your paycheck doesn’t reflect the hours you’ve actually worked, that’s not just unfair — it’s wage theft, and it’s against the law.
At Smith & Reback, we help California employees fight back against unpaid overtime and wage violations. Whether your employer “forgot” to include overtime pay or deliberately misclassified you to avoid paying it, our attorneys are here to make sure you get every dollar you’ve earned.
Understanding Overtime Laws in California
California has some of the strongest overtime protections in the country. In most cases, non-exempt employees are entitled to:
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1.5 times their regular pay for hours worked over 8 in a day or 40 in a week.
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Double time for hours worked over 12 in a single day or over 8 hours on the seventh consecutive day of work.
Unfortunately, many employers find ways to skirt these laws — from misclassifying employees as “exempt” to pressuring staff to work “off the clock.” These tactics cheat workers out of their lawful wages and violate both state and federal labor laws.
Common Examples of Wage Theft
You may be a victim of unpaid overtime or wage theft if:
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You’re required to work before clocking in or after clocking out.
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You’re told to finish tasks “off the clock.”
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You’re misclassified as a salaried “exempt” employee when your job duties don’t meet exemption criteria.
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Your employer manipulates time records or refuses to pay for mandatory training or travel time.
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You’re denied meal or rest breaks without proper compensation.
Even if your employer claims you’re “not eligible” for overtime, it’s worth reviewing your situation — because the law, not your employer, decides who qualifies.
Your Rights Under California Law
California Labor Code Section 510 guarantees that non-exempt employees must be compensated for all overtime hours worked. The California Industrial Welfare Commission (IWC) and the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) both prohibit employers from refusing to pay lawful overtime wages.
If your employer has violated these rules, you may be entitled to recover:
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Unpaid wages and overtime
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Interest and penalties
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Attorney’s fees and legal costs
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Additional damages if the violation was willful
At Smith & Reback, we’ve helped countless employees across California recover substantial settlements for unpaid overtime and wage theft claims.
How Smith & Reback Can Help
Our attorneys specialize in wage and hour disputes — from individual cases to large-scale class actions. We conduct detailed investigations into payroll practices, time records, and communication logs to expose violations and strengthen your case.
We handle everything — from filing your claim with the California Labor Commissioner to pursuing full compensation through litigation if necessary. And because we work on a contingency fee basis, you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Our mission is simple: to hold employers accountable and make sure you receive every cent you’ve earned.
Why It’s Important to Act Quickly
Time matters in wage and overtime cases. Under California law, you generally have up to three years to recover unpaid wages — but waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence or prove your claim. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.
Call Smith & Reback Today
If you suspect your employer has failed to pay you proper overtime or wages, don’t stay silent. You’ve earned that money — and the law is on your side.
📞 Call Smith & Reback today at 818-382-4000 to schedule your free, confidential consultation.
Our experienced employment law attorneys will review your pay records, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.
At Smith & Reback, we believe that every hour worked deserves an honest wage — and we’re here to make sure you get it.
