Is this normal? (employer withholding tips)

I publish illustrative scenarios prepared by my practice. All participants and conversations are fictional. The fictional posts are not posts by real users, accounts of client experiences, or reports of actual results.
Illustrative scenario prepared by my practice.
For informational purposes only. This is not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction. Consult a qualified attorney for advice specific to your situation.
Hypothetical question

I'm in a difficult situation and trying to figure out my next steps.

employer withholding tips. I've been dealing with this for about 9 weeks now and the situation isn't improving.

I have worked at this company for 3 years. My position is exempt and I do not have a written employment agreement beyond the standard offer letter.

Do I have a strong case? What should my next steps be?

Illustrative response

Important to note: statutes of limitations vary by state. In California it's generally 4 years for written contracts and 2 years for oral contracts. Don't wait too long to take action or you might be time-barred.