Bell County, located in Central Texas, has its own court system and procedures within the framework of Texas state law. Understanding local practices is essential whether individuals are facing charges or pursuing a civil claim.
Bell County Court System
Bell County operates multiple courts handling different types of cases. Knowing which court handles a matter helps individuals understand the process ahead.
District Courts
Bell County has four District Courts (27th, 146th, 169th, and 426th) handling:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases over $200,000
- Family law matters including divorce
- Juvenile cases
County Courts at Law
Bell County has three County Courts at Law handling:
- Misdemeanor criminal cases (Class A and B)
- Civil cases between $500 and $200,000
- Appeals from Justice of the Peace courts
- Probate matters
Prosecutors & Contacts
- Bell County Attorney’s Office — Prosecutes Class A/B misdemeanors in County Courts at Law. Location: Bell County Courthouse Annex, 550 East 2nd Avenue, Belton, TX 76513. Main line: (254) 933-5161 (County Clerk main switchboard; ask for County Attorney).
- Bell County District Attorney (Stephanie Newell) — Prosecutes felonies in District Courts.
Justice of the Peace Courts
Five Justice of the Peace precincts handle:
- Class C misdemeanors (fine-only offenses)
- Small claims civil cases up to $20,000
- Evictions
- Truancy cases
Bell County Courthouse Information
Main Courthouse
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Drive, Belton, TX 76513
The main facility houses District Courts and County Courts at Law.
Municipal Courts
Local cities maintain their own municipal courts for city ordinance violations and certain Class C misdemeanors:
Killeen Municipal Court — 714 N. 2nd Street, Killeen, TX 76541
Temple Municipal Court — 210 N. Main Street, Temple, TX 76501
Belton Municipal Court — 520 E. Central Avenue, Belton, TX 76513
Local Legal Considerations
Military Community
Bell County is home to Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), one of the largest military installations in the world. This creates unique legal considerations:
Service members facing charges have additional rights and considerations. Military personnel may face both civilian and military legal proceedings. Attorneys familiar with military-civilian interactions provide valuable guidance for service members and their families.
Population Centers
Bell County’s major cities each have their own character and legal landscape:
Killeen — The largest city in Bell County, closely connected to Fort Cavazos. High volume of cases in local courts.
Temple — Major medical and commercial center. Significant personal injury caseload due to traffic volume and medical facilities.
Belton — County seat where most District Court proceedings occur.
Harker Heights, Copperas Cove — Growing communities with increasing court activity.
Finding Legal Representation in Bell County
Why Local Experience Matters
Attorneys who regularly practice in Bell County courts understand local procedures, know the prosecutors and judges, and can navigate the system efficiently on behalf of their clients. The attorneys featured on this site have experience in Bell County courts.
What to Look For
When selecting an attorney in Bell County:
Experience in Local Courts — Knowledge of local procedures and personnel
Specific Practice Area Expertise — Defense or personal injury focus
Communication — Responsive and clear about cases
Track Record — History of results in similar cases