Can my employer hold my final paycheck until I return company equipment?

An employer typically cannot hold your paycheck until you return equipment because the employer always has to pay at least the minimum wage. Some employers attempt to do this where they withhold a paycheck. In that case, the employee can bring a claim for minimum wages as well as for their withheld paycheck. Employer, however, may counter claim for whatever its losses are for these items that it claims need to be returned.