A Camarillo man and 10 others must face misdemeanor charges in Ventura County Superior Court next month for contracting without a state license.

Ryan Jeffrey Schlottmann, 31, of Camarillo was among 11 men, most from Ventura County, cited by the Contractors State License Board for bidding on home improvement jobs of $500 or more without possessing a contractor’s license, the state agency said in an Aug. 31 statement.

California law requires that only state-licensed contractors perform repair or construction work of $500 or more.

Those charged include Shawn Robert Davis, 42, and Walter Woods, 39, of Thousand Oaks. In addition to the charge of contracting without a state license, Roy Dale Dickerson, 59, of Westlake Village was arrested on a prior warrant for the same charge, the board said. He was booked and released.

Steve Sands, registrar with the state licensing board, said in the statement that consumers put themselves at risk when they hire an unlicensed contractor.

“Many consumers don’t realize that if something goes wrong or mistakes are made, they can be liable for injuries to workers or damage to property,” he said.

Venus Stromberg, licensing board spokesperson, said a state license offers consumers some protection. Licensed contractors must carry worker’s compensation insurance and a bond that covers damages. If an unlicensed contractor’s employee is injured on the job, they can sue the homeowner for medical ex- penses. Licensed contractors must also pass a criminal background check and at least one exam, proving they meet a minimum level of competency.

Before awarding a state contractor’s license, the board verifies the applicant’s experience and education.

The board also arbitrates consumer complaints against licensed contractors.

Schlottmann, reportedly the owner of Wet Feet Pools of Camarillo, and several of the others were also charged with illegal advertising. State law requires contractors to place their license number on all advertisements. Those without a license must say so on any advertising.

Seven of the men are charged with asking for an excessive down payment. Legally, down payments cannot exceed $1,000 or 10 percent of the contract price, whichever is less. The law exempts some two dozen contractors who buy special consumer protection bonds; those contractors are noted on the licensing board’s website.

The 11 men are expected to appear in Ventura County Superior Court on Oct. 20 and 21.

On Aug. 26, a fraud investigation team with the contractors board joined Ventura County law enforcement in a sting to expose unlicensed contractors who bid on home improvement jobs of $500 or more.

Investigators posed as Camarillo homeowners who accepted bids for home improvements that included masonry and concrete work and swimming pool repairs.

To verify a contractor’s license or for more consumer protection tips, visit the Contractors State License Board’s website at www.cslb.ca.gov or call (800) 321-CSLB (2752).