Fort Cavazos (Fort Hood), Texas
Fort Cavazos, formerly known as Fort Hood, is one of the largest military installations in the United States and the largest armored forces installation in North America. Located in Bell County, Texas, the installation supports over 100,000 soldiers, family members, and civilian employees.
Important Notice for Military Personnel
Military personnel stationed at Fort Cavazos and their families should be aware that:
- Civilian legal matters occurring off-post fall under Bell County or municipal court jurisdiction
- Traffic violations received off-post are handled by the applicable municipal or justice of the peace court
- Family law matters including divorce, custody, and child support are handled by Bell County District Courts
- Criminal matters involving soldiers off-post are prosecuted by the Bell County District Attorney or County Attorney
Key Off-Post Legal Resources
| Resource | Contact | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bell County Justice Center | (254) 933-5100 | Main courthouse in Belton |
| Killeen Municipal Court | (254) 501-7850 | Traffic, Class C misdemeanors |
| Bell County District Attorney | (254) 933-5215 | Felony prosecutions |
| Fort Cavazos Legal Assistance | (254) 287-8927 | On-post legal services |
| Bell County Veterans Services | (254) 933-5182 | Veterans benefits assistance |
| U.S. District Court (Western District) | (254) 287-5158 | Federal civil/criminal matters |
U.S. District Court - Western District of Texas
Fort Hood Military Reservation is served by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
Court Information
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Counties Served | Fort Hood Military Reservation |
| Phone | (254) 287-5158 |
Street Address
U.S. District Clerk’s Office
800 Franklin Avenue, Room 380
Waco, Texas 76701
Mailing Address
TXWDdb_FH_Info@txwd.uscourts.gov
Key Contacts
| Role | Phone |
|---|---|
| Magistrate Courtroom Deputy | (254) 750-1511 |
| Operations Clerk (CVB Docket) | (254) 669-6182 |
Federal Jurisdiction
The Western District of Texas handles:
- Federal criminal prosecutions
- Civil lawsuits involving federal law
- Bankruptcy matters
- Federal administrative appeals
Military Legal Assistance
On-Post Resources
Legal Assistance Office
- Location: Fort Cavazos, Building 9001, 761st Tank Battalion Avenue
- Phone: (254) 287-8927
- Services: Free legal assistance for soldiers and family members including wills, powers of attorney, landlord-tenant issues, and consumer protection
JAG Corps
- Provides legal advice and representation for military justice matters
- Does not handle civilian legal matters but can provide referrals
Off-Post Attorneys
Soldiers and their families facing civilian legal matters should consider:
- Criminal Defense Attorneys practicing in Bell County courts
- Family Law Attorneys for divorce, custody, and support matters
- Personal Injury Attorneys for accidents occurring off-post
- Traffic Attorney for citations received off-installation
Jurisdiction Information
| Matter Type | Court | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Felony charges | Bell County District Court | Belton |
| Misdemeanors | Bell County or Municipal Court | Varies by location |
| Traffic (moving) | Justice of the Peace or Municipal | Varies by location |
| Traffic (non-moving) | Municipal Court | City where issued |
| Family Law | Bell County District Court | Belton |
| Civil (under $200K) | Bell County Court at Law | Belton |
| Civil (over $200K) | Bell County District Court | Belton |
| Federal criminal/civil | U.S. District Court (W. D. TX) | Waco |
Fort Cavazos History
Originally established as Fort Hood in 1941, the installation was renamed Fort Cavazos in 2023 to honor General Richard E. Cavazos, the first Mexican American to achieve the rank of four-star general in the U.S. Army.
The installation encompasses over 339,000 acres and houses III Corps headquarters, the 1st Cavalry Division, and numerous other units.
This page provides general information only. For specific legal advice, consult with a licensed Texas attorney.