In a controversial case, Mia Carter, the proprietor of Glamour Studio in Dallas, Texas, opted to serve time in jail rather than comply with court orders to close her salon amid statewide COVID-19 restrictions. Despite a temporary restraining order issued by a Dallas County District Judge, Carter continued to operate her business, which led to her being held in criminal contempt.
Carter notably tore up a cease-and-desist letter during a rally advocating for the reopening of Texas on April 25, drawing significant media attention. Dallas County Judge Robert Williams described her actions as “deliberate and flagrant,” resulting in a seven-day jail sentence. “The defendants have shown no sign of remorse or regret for their actions,” Judge Williams stated during the sentencing.
Mia defended her choices by claiming she was trying to prevent her employees and children from suffering due to economic hardship. “It’s not selfish to feed my kids,” she argued in court. “My hairstylists are struggling as well, and I refuse to close the salon while they go hungry.”
Her legal representative, Tom Jenkins, announced plans to file a writ of habeas corpus to secure her release, insisting that the salon would remain open despite accruing fines of $500 for each day of noncompliance with the judge’s order. “Mia believes that standing her ground is the right thing to do,” Jenkins remarked. “The message from the judge is clear: there will be consequences for those who defy the orders.”
Although hair and nail salons in Texas were slated to reopen on May 8, the state had already reported over 33,000 COVID-19 cases and numerous fatalities. Dallas County alone had seen over 4,000 cases and 114 deaths.
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In summary, Mia Carter’s defiance of court orders to close her salon during the pandemic has resulted in a jail sentence, highlighting the tensions between public health mandates and individual economic pressures. Despite the legal repercussions, she maintains that her actions are necessary for the well-being of her family and employees.