Federal Judge Arrested for Super Drunk DUI in Michigan

U.S. District Judge Thomas Ludington was arrested for operating while intoxicated on October 3, 2025, after crashing his wife's Cadillac into two traffic signs in Emmet County, Michigan. The federal judge, appointed by President George W. Bush in 2006, registered a blood alcohol content of 0.27, more than three times the legal limit.

Michigan State Police responded after Ludington crashed the vehicle on a curved rural road near his vacation home. The impact caused full airbag deployment and damage along the passenger side of the Cadillac. Ludington then drove the damaged vehicle approximately one mile from the crash site before a trooper made contact.

During the field investigation, Ludington told the responding officer he had "nothing to drink tonight" and later stated "I seriously don't think I had anything to drink." The judge claimed no memory of the crash, airbag deployment, or any alcohol consumption. He voluntarily disclosed his position as a federal judge during the stop.

With a BAC of 0.27, Ludington's case fell under Michigan's "super drunk" enhanced penalty provisions. However, the arrest remained out of public view for nearly four months. Ludington continued presiding over federal cases, including assembling a grand jury the morning after his arrest, until The Detroit News reported the incident in January 2026.

Ludington took voluntary paid leave in February 2026 and pleaded no contest to operating while intoxicated in April 2026. The enhanced super drunk charge was dismissed as part of his plea agreement.