On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, Holland Sentinel reported that Judge Bradley Knoll of Ottawa County’s 58th District Court is facing a two-count complaint from the Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission (JTC) following a domestic violence incident that occurred in December 2023. The allegations arise after Knoll pleaded guilty to charges related to striking his wife and exhibiting disrespectful behavior toward law enforcement during his arrest.
The JTC’s complaint claims that Knoll’s actions violated several judicial conduct standards, which are essential for maintaining public trust in the judiciary. The commission asserts that Knoll’s behavior constituted improper conduct and undermined confidence in the integrity of the judicial system.
The incident leading to the charges took place on December 13, 2023, when Knoll’s wife’s grandson, then 12 years old, resisted getting ready for school. Reports indicate that Knoll yelled at the child and grabbed his face, prompting his wife to intervene. During this altercation, Knoll allegedly struck his wife’s head with an open hand.
Following the incident, Knoll was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence. He entered a guilty plea in March 2024, admitting in court to having struck his wife on the head. The first count in the JTC’s complaint centers on this admission of guilt.
The second count alleges that Knoll displayed disrespect toward police officers during his arrest. He is accused of threatening a police officer with potential repercussions for what he claimed was a false arrest. Additionally, during an interview with law enforcement, Knoll reportedly expressed disrespect, culminating in him telling a detective “f*** you” as he left the room.
Judge Knoll has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan since 1978 and has served as a judge in the 58th District Court since January 2003. His current term is set to expire in December 2026. However, he is not eligible for reelection, as judicial candidates must be under the age of 70, and Knoll turned 70 in 2021.
The JTC has stipulated that Knoll must respond to the complaint within two weeks, providing a full and fair disclosure of all facts and circumstances related to the allegations against him. Lynn Helland, the executive director of the Judicial Tenure Commission, stated via email that the next steps will involve petitioning the Michigan Supreme Court to appoint a master to oversee a hearing regarding the complaints.
The Judicial Tenure Commission operates as an independent state agency with the authority to recommend various sanctions to the Michigan Supreme Court. These sanctions can include censure, suspension with or without pay, retirement, or removal from the bench.
Source: Holland Sentinel
