I had a job over a year ago when I quit due to poor employee treatment. Reguarly they would give our paychecks to us in the store, but since I had quit I thought the check would be mailed to me. Months passed, and nothing was mailed to me. Are they allowed to hold onto paychecks like this?

The two other companies I worked for mailed me my checks when I had to leave, even when I showed up in person to claim them myself they said they would be mailed.

This isn't a huge concern because the paycheck was probably under $50, but is that legal to hold onto it like that?

No, it's not legal. Washington State requires that final wages be paid no later than the employee's next regular pay day. You may contact WA's Department of Labor and file a complaint if it's not too late to do so.

Okay, that's what I thought. Is it too late now to file any sort of complaint? I was supposed to be paid in September of 2004. Thanks. :)

Is it too late now to file any sort of complaint? I have no idea what the statute of limitations is in Washington State for this. You need to contact WA's DOL and inquire.