A federal judge in Michigan has been charged with operating a vehicle while intoxicated after a late-night crash last year where his blood-alcohol level was recorded as more than double the legal limit. The incident has raised significant questions about judicial conduct and accountability.
Details of the Arrest and Crash
Thomas Ludington, a 72-year-old US District Court Judge serving eastern Michigan, was arrested in October of last year in Springvale Township. The arrest occurred after he careered his Cadillac into two traffic signs on a rural curved road near his $2.7 million vacation home in Harbor Springs.
According to police reports and coverage by The Detroit News, the collision was severe enough to deploy the vehicle's airbags. State troopers responded to the scene and took Ludington into custody following the crash.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Ludington was formally arraigned on October 6 by Emmet County District Judge Angela J. Lasher and released on a $500 bond. He faces two misdemeanor charges: operating a motor vehicle while intoxicated and operating a vehicle with a high blood-alcohol content.
Under Michigan state law, a blood-alcohol concentration above 0.17 is classified as 'super drunk,' which carries enhanced penalties. Troopers confirmed that Ludington's level exceeded this threshold, placing him in this severe category. The standard legal limit for driving in Michigan is 0.08.
Potential Consequences and Upcoming Court Date
If convicted on the standard charges, Ludington could face up to 93 days in jail, a $500 fine, 360 hours of community service, and a driving prohibition. For the 'super drunk' classification, the penalties increase to a possible 180 days in jail, a $700 fine, 360 hours of community service, and driving restrictions.
A status conference is scheduled for February 9 in an Emmet County courtroom, where the case will progress. Despite the pending criminal proceedings, Ludington has continued to hear cases in his judicial capacity over the past four months since his arrest.
Background and Professional Standing
Judge Ludington was nominated to the US District Court by President George W. Bush and confirmed in June 2006. Public records indicate he resides in Midland County but owns the vacation property near the crash site in Harbor Springs.
In a notable contrast to his current legal troubles, the American Bar Association awarded Ludington in 2023 for exhibiting exceptional qualities of civility, courtesy, and professionalism. This accolade underscores the disparity between his professional reputation and the alleged conduct leading to his arrest.
The Daily Mail has approached Ludington's attorney for comment on the case, but no statement has been publicly released at this time. The situation continues to develop as the legal process unfolds.
