On Wednesday, April 30, 2025, Michigan’s Judicial Tenure Commission filed an amended complaint against 58th District Court Judge Bradley S. Knoll, alleging misconduct stemming from a domestic violence incident and disrespectful behavior toward police officers. The complaint, filed under Article 6, Section 30 of the Michigan Constitution and MCR 9.200, details two counts against Knoll.
The case is entitled “In the Matter of Judge Bradley S. Knoll,” with case number 107.
The first count relates to Knoll’s arrest on December 13, 2023, for misdemeanor domestic violence. According to the complaint, the incident occurred around 7:30 a.m. when Knoll allegedly yelled at an individual, grabbed their face, and tilted it upward. When another person intervened, Knoll reportedly struck or slapped them on the head or face. He was charged in the 58th District Court under case number GH 23-003712-SM. On March 26, 2024, Knoll pleaded guilty to the charge under MCL 769.4a. During the plea hearing, Knoll admitted to being in Ottawa County on the date of the incident and confirmed he struck the victim on the head with an open hand. The court accepted his plea as knowing, willing, and voluntary.
The commission alleges that Knoll’s guilty plea and the underlying conduct violated several judicial and professional standards. These include Canon 2(B) of the Michigan Code of Judicial Conduct, which requires judges to uphold the law, and MCR 9.104(5), which prohibits lawyers from engaging in criminal conduct. Additionally, the commission cites violations of Canon 2(A), which mandates that judges avoid improper conduct and the appearance of impropriety, and Canon 2(B), which requires judges to maintain public confidence in the judiciary and treat others respectfully.
The second count addresses Knoll’s behavior toward Grand Haven Public Safety officers on the day of his arrest. Following a 911 call, officers responded to Knoll’s residence, interviewed the victim and a witness, and arrested Knoll. During a subsequent interview at another location, Knoll allegedly threatened Officer Matthew Padding, warning that if the arrest did not lead to prosecution, an officer would face consequences for false arrest. The complaint further states that Knoll displayed disrespect toward the officers throughout the interview and, as he left the room, directed an expletive at Detective Eric Rasch.
The commission asserts that this conduct violated Canon 2(A) by constituting improper behavior and Canon 2(B) by undermining public trust in the judiciary and failing to show courtesy to others. The complaint requires Knoll to file a verified answer within 14 days, disclosing all relevant facts, with failure to comply potentially leading to further disciplinary action.
Knoll, a licensed attorney since 1978, remains subject to the Michigan Supreme Court’s standards for judicial conduct and disciplinary rules outlined in MCR 9.104 and 9.200. The complaint was signed by Disciplinary Counsel Lynn Helland, along with co-counsels Kevin Hirsch and Kavita Uppal, on behalf of the Judicial Tenure Commission.
Knoll is a judge in Holland, Michigan, since 2003. His current term expires in December 2026.
A copy of the original filing can be found here.
