Federal judge takes leave from bench after DUI arrest
By: -----
Bay City, MI -
U.S. District Judge Thomas Ludington is facing a drunken driving charge stemming from a crash last fall in northern Michigan — a case that has continued quietly while he remained active on the bench.
Ludington, 72, was arrested Oct. 3 after crashing a black Cadillac on a rural road in Springvale Township, about 10 miles east of Petoskey, according to Michigan State Police and court records.
According to troopers, Ludington was legally “super drunk” at the time of the crash. Michigan’s “Super Drunk” law applies when a driver has a blood alcohol content of 0.17% or higher, triggering harsher penalties even for a first offense.
The crash occurred around 7:10 p.m. on a curved stretch of East Mitchell Road near Penny Lane. Police reports say Ludington struck two traffic signs, disabling the 2019 Cadillac CT6 and deploying an airbag.
Ludington was charged with operating while intoxicated and operating with a blood-alcohol content of 0.17 or higher. In Michigan, the legal blood alcohol limit is 0.08% for drivers age 21 and over, 0.02% for drivers under 21, and 0.04% for commercial drivers. “Super drunk” is a misdemeanor that carries stiffer penalties, including up to 180 days in jail and a one-year license suspension.
Ludington's exact blood-alcohol level has not been made public.
He was released after posting a $500 bond. He is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Feb. 9, hearing in 90th District Court in Emmet County.
Despite the pending case, Ludington has continued to hear federal cases. According to the Detroit News, it is unclear whether he notified Chief U.S. District Judge Stephen Murphy of his arrest or whether any discipline was imposed.
Nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed in 2006, Ludington is one of about 18 active federal judges serving eastern Michigan. From 1995-2006, Ludington served as a 42nd Circuit Court judge.