U.S. District Judge Thomas L. Ludington of Michigan has taken a voluntary leave of absence following charges of operating a vehicle while intoxicated. The charges stem from an incident on October 3, 2025, when Ludington, 72, allegedly crashed his 2019 Cadillac CT6 into two traffic signs near his vacation home in Petoskey, Michigan. The collision resulted in significant vehicle damage and airbag deployment. ([ourmidland.com](https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/ludington-federal-judge-21318103.php?utm_source=openai))
Upon arrival at the scene, Michigan State Police officers observed signs of intoxication. Ludington reportedly struggled to complete a breathalyzer test and, during the interaction, identified himself as a federal judge. A subsequent blood test revealed a blood-alcohol concentration of 0.27%, more than three times the legal limit of 0.08%. ([washingtonpost.com](https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/2026/02/20/michigan-judge-drunken-driving/b88a1e96-0ea2-11f1-8e91-6e1451aab67e_story.html/?utm_source=openai))
Under Michigan’s “super drunk” law, which applies to drivers with a BAC of 0.17% or higher, Ludington faces enhanced penalties. These may include up to 180 days in jail, a $700 fine, 360 hours of community service, and vehicle immobilization. ([foxnews.com](https://www.foxnews.com/us/federal-judge-allegedly-super-drunk-when-he-crashed-cadillac?utm_source=openai))
Despite the pending charges, Ludington continued to preside over cases in the Eastern District of Michigan’s Northern Division, based in Bay City, until his recent decision to take leave. He was appointed to the federal bench by President George W. Bush in 2006, following over a decade as a Michigan circuit court judge. ([ourmidland.com](https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/ludington-federal-judge-21318103.php?utm_source=openai))
The case is currently pending in Emmet County, with a jury trial scheduled for February 27, 2026. Ludington has pleaded not guilty and is free on a $500 bond. ([news.bloomberglaw.com](https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/michigan-federal-judge-awaiting-trial-on-drunken-driving-charges?utm_source=openai))
As the legal proceedings unfold, the judiciary and legal community are closely monitoring the situation, given the implications for judicial conduct and public trust in the legal system.