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Federal Judge Pleads No Contest to Drunken Driving Charge

4/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Federal Judge Thomas L. Ludington (Michigan) entered a no contest plea to a misdemeanor drunken-driving charge after being accused of driving "super drunk."
Prosecutors dropped a higher-level charge, resolving the criminal case.
Ludington, 72, is scheduled for sentencing on May 13 and must undergo a substance abuse assessment.
Despite an ongoing judicial misconduct complaint, Ludington intends to remain on the bench and continue his duties.

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Story summary

Federal Judge Thomas L. Ludington (Michigan) entered a no contest plea to a misdemeanor drunken-driving charge after being accused of driving "super drunk."
Prosecutors dropped a higher-level charge, resolving the criminal case.
Ludington, 72, is scheduled for sentencing on May 13 and must undergo a substance abuse assessment.
Despite an ongoing judicial misconduct complaint, Ludington intends to remain on the bench and continue his duties.