The Orange County Criminal Lawyer Blog
A Dallas salon owner is fighting against the city, county, and state by opening her doors for services after reportedly ignoring citations and a restraining order demanding her to comply with the closures of nonessential businesses to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Shelley Luther has been the proprietor of Salon à la Mode for approximately three years.
On March 22, Dallas salons, massage parlors, and other businesses in the same category were shut down by Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, as they were deemed nonessential while measures are taken across the globe in an attempt to combat the spread of COVID-19. According to the Governor, the closure of these types of businesses is expected to carry on through at least the middle of May.
According to reports and despite the order, Luther chose to reopen her establishment and allow staff and customers to once again enter and utilize the salon and its services.
On April 24, the Dallas Police Department gave Luther a cease and desist letter, but it was reported that she decided she would not comply.
Four days later, the city was granted a temporary restraining order by State District Judge Eric Moyé to try to force Luther to remain closed until it is deemed safe for salons to provide service.
Luther reportedly disregarded the order to the extent that she went to a rally with approximately 250 people in attendance and purportedly taunted the judge who issued the order by tearing it up and announcing, “Come and get it, Judge Clay Jenkins. Come and get it.” She additionally expressed that she holds the belief that people have a right to stay employed so they can take care of their families and debts.
While she has hired a lawyer to work with the legal repercussions, Luther fully intends to stay in business and said she will “go to jail to prove a point that what they’re doing is totally unconstitutional.”
If Luther is found in violation of the executive order to close her business she could face penalties of up to 180 days in jail or a fine of up to $1,000.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a restraining order violation, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.