Fighting for Employees' Rights
Every worker deserves to be treated fairly and with dignity. Unfortunately, many employers violate their employees' rights through discrimination, harassment, wage theft, and wrongful termination. When your employer breaks the law, you need an experienced advocate on your side.
Tony Carlos Law represents employees in Yuba City, Marysville, and throughout Sutter and Yuba Counties who have experienced workplace violations. We fight to hold employers accountable and recover the compensation you deserve.
Employment Cases We Handle
Workplace Discrimination
California law prohibits employers from discriminating against employees based on protected characteristics. If you've been treated unfairly because of who you are, we can help.
- Race & National Origin - Discrimination based on race, ethnicity, or country of origin
- Gender & Sex - Including pregnancy discrimination and gender identity
- Age - Discrimination against workers 40 and older
- Disability - Failure to accommodate or discriminatory treatment
- Religion - Religious discrimination and failure to accommodate
- Sexual Orientation - LGBTQ+ workplace discrimination
Wrongful Termination
While California is an "at-will" employment state, employers cannot fire you for illegal reasons. You may have a wrongful termination claim if you were fired:
- For reporting illegal activity (whistleblower retaliation)
- For filing a workers' compensation claim
- For taking protected leave (FMLA, CFRA)
- Based on discrimination
- For refusing to commit illegal acts
- In violation of an employment contract
Wage & Hour Violations
California has strong wage and hour laws that protect workers. Common violations include:
- Unpaid Overtime - Failure to pay time-and-a-half or double time
- Minimum Wage - Paying less than California's minimum wage
- Meal & Rest Breaks - Denying required breaks or interrupting them
- Misclassification - Wrongly classifying employees as independent contractors
- Off-the-Clock Work - Requiring work before clocking in or after clocking out
- Final Paycheck - Failure to provide final wages on time
Harassment
Workplace harassment creates a hostile work environment and is illegal under California law. We handle cases involving:
- Sexual Harassment - Unwanted sexual advances, comments, or conduct
- Hostile Work Environment - Severe or pervasive harassment
- Quid Pro Quo - Job benefits conditioned on sexual favors
- Bullying - When based on protected characteristics
Retaliation
It is illegal for employers to retaliate against employees who exercise their legal rights. This includes retaliation for:
- Reporting workplace safety violations
- Filing discrimination or harassment complaints
- Requesting accommodations
- Taking medical or family leave
- Discussing wages with coworkers
Know Your Rights
California workers have some of the strongest employment protections in the nation. If you believe your employer has violated your rights, don't wait - many employment claims have strict filing deadlines. Contact us today to discuss your situation.
What Compensation Can I Recover?
Depending on your case, you may be entitled to recover:
Lost Wages
Back pay for wages you should have received, including unpaid overtime, minimum wage violations, and lost earnings due to wrongful termination.
Emotional Distress
Compensation for the mental and emotional suffering caused by harassment, discrimination, or other workplace violations.
Punitive Damages
In cases of particularly egregious employer conduct, courts may award punitive damages to punish the employer.
Reinstatement
In some cases, you may be entitled to get your job back if you were wrongfully terminated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file an employment claim?
Deadlines vary by claim type. DFEH complaints typically must be filed within 3 years, while some federal claims have shorter deadlines. Contact us promptly to ensure you don't miss important deadlines.
Can I be fired for filing a complaint against my employer?
No. Retaliation for filing a complaint is illegal. If your employer fires, demotes, or otherwise punishes you for asserting your rights, you may have a separate retaliation claim.
What if I'm an undocumented worker?
California employment laws protect all workers regardless of immigration status. You have the same rights to minimum wage, overtime, and a workplace free from discrimination and harassment.
How much does an employment lawyer cost?
We offer initial consultations and may take cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us to discuss your options.