Wage & Hour Compliance

For California small business owners, navigating the maze of wage and hour laws can feel overwhelming—but getting it wrong is not an option. California has some of the toughest labor laws in the country, and non-compliance can lead to costly civil penalties, criminal charges, and irreparable harm to your business’s reputation. Understanding your responsibilities under laws like the California Labor Code and Wage Orders is the first step to protecting your company and employees.

From ensuring employees are paid correctly to managing overtime, meal breaks, and accurate recordkeeping, every detail matters. Recent legal developments, such as Brinker Restaurant Corp. v. Superior Court (2012), established clear guidelines for meal and rest breaks, holding employers accountable for non-compliance even when the violation was unintentional. Moreover, California’s AB 1003 Wage Theft Law has heightened the stakes, criminalizing wage theft as a felony for amounts exceeding $950, making compliance a legal and ethical imperative.

Why Compliance Is Critical for Small Business Owners:

  • Avoid Severe Financial Consequences: Penalties for wage and hour violations can quickly escalate, including back wages, statutory penalties, and attorney fees.

  • Prevent Criminal Wage Theft Charges: Intentional or even perceived wage theft can now lead to felony prosecution, placing your business and personal freedom at risk.

  • Foster a Healthy Workplace Culture: Demonstrating your commitment to fair pay and compliance fosters trust, loyalty, and productivity among your employees.

Our legal services are tailored to California small business owners, providing proactive advice and ongoing support to ensure you meet your wage and hour obligations. We help you:

  • Optimize your payroll and timekeeping systems for compliance.

  • Develop clear workplace policies that align with California labor laws.

  • Respond effectively to wage and hour claims, mitigating risk and protecting your interests.

Compliance is not just about avoiding penalties; it’s about building a strong foundation for your business. Don’t leave your company vulnerable—schedule a consultation today to secure your peace of mind.

Don’t navigate this alone. Contact us today.