Federal Judge Accused Of Driving ‘Super Drunk’ Takes ‘Voluntary’ Leave From The Bench

Above the Law

by Staci Zaretsky

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

A federal judge in Michigan, Thomas Ludington, has taken a voluntary leave of absence following his arrest for allegedly driving while highly intoxicated. The 72-year-old judge, who faces charges of operating a vehicle with a blood-alcohol content (BAC) of 0.17% or higher and driving under the influence, was arrested after crashing his car and failing a field sobriety test. Notably, Ludington allegedly blew a BAC level of 0.27%, more than three times the legal limit in Michigan, and struggled to recite the alphabet from C to Q during the test. The Eastern District of Michigan confirmed that Ludington has pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charges and is scheduled for a jury trial on May 8. The court emphasized the presumption of innocence and due process rights, while acknowledging the seriousness of the matter. However, concerns have been raised about the delay in publicly disclosing the judge’s arrest and his continued duties on the bench for several months before the news became public. This case highlights the challenges faced by the judiciary when one of its members becomes a defendant in a criminal case. It raises questions about transparency and accountability within the legal system, particularly when delays occur between the incident and its reporting to the public. As Ludington’s trial approaches, the outcome could set a precedent for how judges are held accountable while maintaining public trust in the judicial process. The situation also underscores the importance of judicial integrity and the need for courts to balance due process with public expectations of accountability. While the legal system ensures that everyone is entitled to a fair hearing, high-ranking officials like judges are held to a higher standard of behavior, especially when their actions could compromise public confidence in the judiciary.

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Originally published on Above the Law on 2/24/2026