The
docket
just
got
personal
for
one
federal
judge
—
because
the
only
thing
higher
than
the
federal
bench
was
allegedly
his
blood-alcohol
level.
Judge
Thomas
L.
Ludington
of
the
Eastern
District
of
Michigan
is
facing
misdemeanor
DUI
charges
after
a
fall
crash
that
police
say
involved
a
“super
drunk”
blood-alcohol
level
of
more
than
twice
the
legal
limit.
According
to
Michigan
state
police,
this
past
October,
Ludington’s
vehicle
hit
multiple
traffic
signs
and
later
crashed,
deploying
an
airbag.
A
subsequent
test
allegedly
showed
a
BAC
of
0.17
or
higher
—
enough
to
trigger
the
state’s
enhanced
“super
drunk”
law.
As
noted
by
the
Midland
Daily
News,
the
judge’s
exact
blood-alcohol
level
has
not
been
made
public.
Ludington
was
charged
with
operating
a
vehicle
while
intoxicated
and
operating
with
a
blood
alcohol
content
of
0.17
or
more,
and
was
released
on
a
$500
bond.
He
pleaded
not
guilty
to
the
charges
on
October
6,
and
has
continued
to
hear
cases
while
awaiting
trial.
Ludington’s
jury
trial
is
set
for
February
27.
Support
resources
exist
for
lawyers,
legal
professionals,
and
law
students
struggling
with
alcohol
use,
and
reaching
out
for
help
is
a
responsible
and
constructive
step.
If
you
or
someone
you
know
is
in
need
of
help,
please
call
a lawyer
assistance
program in
your
state.
Federal
judge
Thomas
Ludington
charged
with
‘super
drunk’
DUI
after
Michigan
crash
[Midland
Daily
News]
Staci
Zaretsky is
the
managing
editor
of
Above
the
Law,
where
she’s
worked
since
2011.
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