Federal Judge Accused Of Driving ‘Super Drunk’ Crashes Into Judicial Misconduct Complaint

Above the Law

by Staci Zaretsky

February 25, 2026

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A federal judge in Michigan has been accused of judicial misconduct after a high-profile incident involving driving while "super drunk." Fix the Court, a nonpartisan group advocating for judicial transparency, filed a formal complaint against Judge Thomas L. Ludington with the Sixth Circuit Judicial Council. The complaint alleges that Ludington's conduct undermines public trust and violates standards expected of federal judges. The incident began in October 2025 when Ludington was involved in a car crash with a blood-alcohol level of 0.27, well above the legal limit. He reportedly appeared confused, failed field sobriety tests, and twice identified himself as a federal judge. Despite this, it took four months for the details of the crash and his BAC levels to become public knowledge. Fix the Court's complaint highlights Ludington's continued judicial duties during this period, including hearing new cases until February 18, while the matter remained undisclosed to the public. The group argues that Ludington's actions meet statutory grounds for discipline under the Judicial Conduct and Disability Act. They call for accountability, urging the council to investigate even if Ludington retires before the case is resolved. Ludington has since taken a leave of absence, but taxpayers are covering his $50,000 in paid leave during this period. This case raises significant concerns about transparency and accountability within the judiciary. By failing to disclose critical information promptly, Ludington may have eroded public trust in the judicial system. Fix the Court's complaint underscores the importance of integrity and openness among judges, particularly when their actions could impact public perception of the legal profession. The situation highlights the broader implications of a judge's off-the-bench behavior on their ability to perform effectively while on the bench. When institutions fail to address such issues transparently, it can further damage trust in the judicial system. As Ludington faces both a state criminal trial and a judicial misconduct complaint, this case serves as a stark reminder of the high standards expected of federal judges and the consequences of falling short.

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Originally published on Above the Law on 2/25/2026