What can I recover for unpaid wages in Arizona?

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If an employer, in violation of this chapter, fails to pay wages due any employee, the employee may recover in a civil action against an employer or former employer an amount that is treble the amount of the unpaid wages .

Alternative: file a wage claim with the department. Instead of bringing a civil action, an employee may file a written claim for unpaid wages with the department — the labor department of the Industrial Commission of Arizona — if the amount of the wages does not exceed $12,000 and the claim is filed within one year of the claim's accrual . The department must investigate timely filed claims and, if it determines the claim for unpaid wages is valid, must direct the party responsible for payment to pay the unpaid wages . Once the department makes a final determination establishing the unpaid wages, the department may on the employee's behalf, or the employee may, obtain judgment and collect through execution, garnishment, attachment, or other available remedies .

Minimum wage and earned paid sick time violations. A civil action to enforce the minimum-wage and earned paid sick time article may be maintained in a court of competent jurisdiction by any private party injured by a violation . An employer that fails to pay wages or earned paid sick time required under that article must pay the balance owed, including interest, plus an additional amount equal to twice the underpaid wages or sick time . A prevailing plaintiff is entitled to reasonable attorney's fees and costs of suit . The action must be commenced no later than two years after the violation last occurs, or three years in the case of a willful violation .

This is general information about Arizona law, not legal advice.