Santa Rosa Whistleblower Protection Lawyers

Protecting Employees Involved Whistleblower Claims

If you have witnessed unethical or illegal activities at your workplace and are considering reporting them, you need a dedicated legal team to protect your rights. At Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law, our experienced Santa Rosa whistleblower attorneys advocate for employees who courageously step forward to expose wrongdoing. We help whistleblowers navigate the complexities of state and federal laws, ensuring they receive the protection and potential compensation they deserve.

To schedule a free initial consultation, contact us today at (707) 405-7391.

Who is Considered a Whistleblower?

A whistleblower is an employee or individual who reports illegal, fraudulent, or unethical activities within a company, government agency, or organization. These activities may include financial fraud, workplace safety violations, environmental law breaches, discrimination, harassment, or other unlawful conduct.

Whistleblowers can be employees, former employees, contractors, or anyone with insider knowledge of illicit activities. Their disclosures often serve the public interest by preventing harm, recovering taxpayer money, and holding organizations accountable for illegal behavior.

Legally Protected Ways to Disclose Illicit Activity

Whistleblowers must take careful steps to ensure their disclosures are legally protected. Some of the safest ways to report wrongdoing include:

• Internal Reporting: Many companies have established internal whistleblower programs where employees can report misconduct to compliance officers or HR departments.
• Government Agencies: Reporting violations directly to federal or state agencies such as the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) can offer stronger legal protections.
• Law Enforcement: In cases involving criminal activity, reporting directly to law enforcement agencies is a legitimate course of action.
• Qui Tam Lawsuits: Under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers can file lawsuits on behalf of the government against entities engaged in fraudulent activity, potentially receiving financial rewards.

Engaging an experienced Santa Rosa whistleblower attorney at Smith Dollar can help ensure that you follow the correct procedures while maintaining your legal protections.

California & Federal Whistleblower Laws

Whistleblowers are protected under various state and federal laws that prohibit retaliation and offer incentives for reporting misconduct.

California Whistleblower Protections

California has some of the strongest whistleblower protection laws in the country, including:

• California Labor Code Section 1102.5: Prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who disclose information about violations of state or federal laws.
• California Whistleblower Protection Act: Protects employees in state government who report illegal activities or violations of public policies.
• California False Claims Act: Allows whistleblowers to file lawsuits against companies that commit fraud against the government.

Federal Whistleblower Protections

• Sarbanes-Oxley Act (SOX): Protects employees of publicly traded companies who report securities fraud and corporate wrongdoing.
• Dodd-Frank Act: Provides financial incentives and protections for whistleblowers who report violations of securities laws to the SEC.
• Occupational Safety and Health Act (OSHA): Shields employees from retaliation for reporting workplace safety violations.
• False Claims Act: Offers financial rewards to individuals who expose companies defrauding the government.

Potential Rewards for Whistleblowers

Whistleblowers who expose fraud or corruption may be eligible for financial rewards, particularly in cases involving government fraud. The False Claims Act and the SEC Whistleblower Program allow individuals to receive a percentage of the recovered funds if their report leads to a successful legal action.

For instance, under the False Claims Act, whistleblowers can receive between 15% and 30% of the recovered amount when reporting fraud against the government. The Dodd-Frank Act provides similar incentives for those reporting securities violations.

How Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law Can Help

At Smith Dollar, Attorneys at Law, we are committed to defending the rights of whistleblowers in Santa Rosa and throughout California. Our legal team provides:

• Confidential Consultations: We offer private and secure consultations to discuss your case and legal options.
• Strategic Guidance: We help you determine the safest and most effective way to report wrongdoing.
• Legal Representation: If you face retaliation, we will fight aggressively to protect your job and recover damages.
• Whistleblower Rewards Advocacy: We work to maximize any financial rewards you may be entitled to under whistleblower laws.

Contact our attorneys at (707) 405-7391 or submit an intake form through our website to schedule a free consultation.