OTTAWA COUNTY — The Michigan Judicial Tenure Commission has authorized two counts of complaints against 58th District Court Judge Bradley Knoll following a domestic assault charge in 2023.
The commission released the complaint Tuesday, April 22, which alleges Knoll violated several standards of conduct when he admittedly struck his wife in December 2023, including requirements against irresponsible or improper conduct, eroding public confidence in the integrity of the judiciary, failing to treat others with courtesy and respect and, above all, breaking the law.
According to the complaint, Knoll — who has been a member of the State Bar of Michigan since 1978 and a judge for the 58th District Court since January 2003 — was arrested on Dec. 13, 2023, after his wife’s grandson, then age 12, resisted getting ready for school. Knoll “yelled at (the boy) and grabbed his face)” and the boy began crying. Knoll’s wife intervened, and Knoll “hit or slapped” her “face or head.”
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Knoll was arrested and charged with misdemeanor domestic violence. He pled guilty in March 2024 and admitted, in court, he “struck (his wife) on the top of the head with a flat, open hand.” The first count of the public complaint issued Tuesday centered on this admission.
The complaint’s second count alleges Knoll was disrespectful to public safety officers on the day of his arrest, alleging he threatened a police officer with “potential repercussions for false arrest.” The count further alleges Knoll treated police officers with disrespect during an interview and, at the completion of the interview, said “f*** you” to a detective as he left the room.
Knoll’s current six-year term expires in December 2026. He is not eligible to serve another term, as judicial candidates must be under the age of 70. Knoll turned 70 in 2021.
According to the complaint, an answer must be filed with the commission within two weeks, containing a full and fair disclosure “of all facts and circumstances pertaining to the allegations.”
Lynn Helland, executive director of the Judicial Tenure Commission, wrote via email that next steps include petitioning the Michigan Supreme Court to appoint a master to preside over a hearing.
The Judicial Tenure Commission is an independent state agency that can recommend sanctions to the Michigan Supreme Court, including censure, suspension with or without pay, retirement or removal of a judge.
— Cassandra Lybrink is the local editor of The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at clybrink@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @CassLybrink.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: Judge Bradley Knoll faces public complaint over domestic violence arrest