Wage Theft Lawyer Who Wins
Where Legal Expertise Meets Compassionnn
At Cruz Gold & Associates, we believe that strong legal representation begins with genuine care for our clients. Our mission is to blend legal knowledge with understanding, ensuring that every individual who comes to us feels heard and supported. Founded by Marta Cruz Gold and led by Zachary Gold, whose family’s immigration story fuels his mission, we are committed to helping others build their future through experienced, empathetic guidance. Our firm specializes in immigration, family law, and municipal court matters, always putting our clients’ needs at the forefront of everything we do.
Queens Unpaid Wages Lawyer – Fighting Wage Theft & Overtime Violations
When you put in the hours, you deserve every dollar you’ve earned. Unfortunately, wage theft is far too common in New York—especially in industries like restaurants, construction, healthcare, domestic work, and retail. Whether your employer is refusing to pay overtime, misclassifying you to avoid benefits, or simply not paying what you’re owed, you have rights under both federal and New York labor laws.
Attorney Supriya Kichloo is a Queens unpaid wages lawyer who stands up for workers who’ve been shortchanged. Our employment law practice covers all wage and hour cases, from unpaid overtime to minimum wage violations. We fight to recover the pay you earned—plus penalties and damages when the law allows.
Pay Protection
Understanding Wage Violations
Wage theft happens in many forms, including:
- Unpaid Overtime – Not paying time-and-a-half for hours over 40 per week, as required by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) and New York Labor Law.
- Below Minimum Wage Pay – Failing to meet the current NYC minimum wage requirements.
- Off-the-Clock Work – Asking employees to work before clocking in or after clocking out.
- Illegal Tip Pooling – Taking tips away from tipped employees or pooling tips with managers.
- Misclassification – Calling an employee “salaried” or “independent contractor” to avoid overtime or benefits when they legally qualify as non-exempt employees.
- Failure to Pay Final Paycheck – Withholding wages after termination or resignation.
If any of these sound familiar, your employer may be breaking the law.
Worker Rights
Common Wage & Hour Issues We Handle
Our cases often involve:
- Unpaid overtime for hourly and day-rate workers
- Minimum wage violations in restaurants, retail, and cleaning work
- Deductions from pay that are not legally allowed
- Forcing workers to work “off the clock” to finish tasks
- Misclassifying employees as exempt from overtime
- Withholding last paychecks or bonuses
Even if your employer claims you’re “not entitled” to certain pay, you may still have a case.
How We Handle Wage Theft & Overtime Claims
Our process is designed to put you in the strongest position possible:
01
Free Consultation »
We review your pay records, schedules, and situation.
02
Evidence Gathering »
Collecting pay stubs, time sheets, schedules, and witness statements.
03
Filing Your Claim »
With the NY Department of Labor, the U.S. Department of Labor, or in state or federal court.
04
Negotiation & Litigation »
We fight for every dollar owed, and we’re ready to go to trial if needed.
We’ve represented workers in industries across Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, the Bronx, and Long Island—often recovering not just back wages, but additional damages for our clients.
01
Comprehensive Visa Support
We assist with all types of visa applications, including H1, L1, E1, family-based visas, and employment-based visas, ensuring your application is accurate and complete.
02
Naturalization & Citizenship
Our team guides you through the naturalization process, helping you achieve your goal of becoming a U.S. citizen.
03
Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS)
We support children seeking Special Immigrant Juvenile Status (SIJS) with care. Our team guides families through each step to help young immigrants find stability and protection.
04
Defense & Appeals
We represent clients in removal proceedings, appeals, and motions to reopen, protecting your rights every step of the way.
WAGE JUSTICE
Your Rights Under FLSA & NY Labor Law
Both the FLSA (federal) and New York Labor Law protect workers from wage theft. In NYC, the minimum wage is higher than the federal minimum, and most employees are entitled to time-and-a-half for overtime.
Other key protections:
- Anti-Retaliation – Your employer cannot legally fire, demote, or punish you for asserting your wage rights. If they do, you may have a wrongful termination/retaliation claim.
- Back Pay Recovery Period – NY law allows you to recover unpaid wages going back
up to 6 years; under the FLSA, it’s generally 2 years, or 3 if the violation was willful.
- Liquidated Damages – Both laws may allow you to recover
double the unpaid wages as a penalty, plus attorney’s fees.
FREQUENTLY ASKED questions
Unpaid Wages & Overtime FAQ
Can my employer fire me for asking about unpaid wages?
No. That’s retaliation, and it’s illegal. We can take legal action if it happens.
How far back can I claim unpaid wages?
Up to 6 years under New York Labor Law, and generally 2 years under the FLSA (3 for willful violations).
Do I get double my unpaid wages if I win?
Often yes—both NY and federal law allow for “liquidated damages,” which can double the total recovery, plus attorney’s fees.
We’re Here to Help
Don’t Let Your Employer Keep What You Earned
If your employer owes you overtime, minimum wage, or other pay, it’s time to take action. The law is on your side—but deadlines apply, so don’t wait.
Call
480-381-1015 or request a free consultation » with Queens wage theft lawyer Supriya Kichloo. There’s no fee unless we recover your unpaid wages.
