Bell County Court

County Resources

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The first Bell County Courthouse was built in 1851. A new courthouse was built on the same site in 1858. In 1885, the third and current courthouse was completed in 1885. The Bell County Courthouse and the Bell County Justice Center are the most commonly used courthouses in Bell County.

Locations

Bell County Courthouse
101 E Central Ave
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 939-3521

Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Dr
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 939-3521

Centex Child Protection Courts 1 and 2
Bell County Sheriff’s Office Building
104 South Main Street
Belton, TX 76513

Belton Municipal Court
100 S. Davis Street
PO Box 120
Belton, TX 76513
254-933-5838

Killeen Municipal Court of Record
200 E Avenue D
Suite 1
Killeen, TX 76541
254-501-7850

Temple Municipal Court of Record
401 N. 3rd St.
Temple, TX 76501
254-298-5687

Copperas Cove Municipal Court
602 S. Main St.
Copperas Cove, TX 76522
(254) 547-5030

United States District Court
Western District of Texas
Waco Division
800 Franklin Ave.
Room 380
Waco, Texas 76701
(254) 750-1501

District Clerk

This office is responsible for keeping records of the District Court proceedings, putting District Court decisions into place, and providing administrative support to the court. This is an elected position, with a term lasting 4 years. The District Clerk also collects all filing fees, coordinates jury selection, and processes passports.

Joanna Staton
Bell County District Clerk
First Floor Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Dr
Belton, TX 76513
254-933-5197

County Clerk

The County Clerk is also an elected position, and this office has many responsibilities. This office is responsible for County Court records, recording and maintaining minutes for the Commissioners Court, and is the custodian for official public records for the county.

Shelley Coston
Bell County Clerk
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Road
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5160

United States District Court

Bell County is part of the Western District of Texas for the United States District Court. The Waco division includes Bell, Coryell, Bosque, Falls, Hamilton, Freestone, Leon, Hill, Limestone, McLennan, Robertson, Milam, and Somervell Counties.

Alia Moses is the Chief Judge, and Philip J. Devlin is the Clerk of Court.

Municipal Court

Municipal Courts have original jurisdiction over ordinance violations and minor misdemeanors committed in city limits, where the maximum penalty is a fine. Municipal judges can issue search and arrest warrants and have limited jurisdiction in civil cases that involve owners of dangerous dogs.

District Court

District Courts are the trial courts of general jurisdiction, and each county must be served by at least one District Court. District Court has original jurisdiction in divorce cases, felony criminal cases, civil cases involving more than $200, cases contesting elections, juvenile matters and family law, and land disputes.

County Courts at Law

For more populous counties, County Courts at Law may be created in addition to Constitutional County Courts. These courts are created by the state legislature, which also creates their jurisdiction. For some of these courts, their jurisdiction may be concurrent with the jurisdiction of county and district courts. County Courts at Law have jurisdiction over civil cases involving between $200 and $200,000, although some courts may have higher limits. They also have jurisdiction over criminal misdemeanor matters, probate, and guardianship matters. In Bell, County, the County Court at Law #1 has jurisdiction over probate matters.

Justice Courts

Each county must have between 1 and 8 Justice of the Peace precincts, dependent on the population of the county. These courts have jurisdiction over minor misdemeanor cases and minor civil matters. A Justice of the Peace can issue search and arrest warrants and may serve as coroner in counties where there is no medical examiner. They also can hear small claims cases up to $10,000 and eviction cases.

Civil Court

Civil cases are those that are not criminal in nature and usually involve a financial or property dispute between two parties.

District Court hears civil cases involving more than $200. Constitutional County Court can hear cases involving more than $200 up to $20,000. County Courts at Law hear civil cases between $200 and $250,000. Justice Courts can hear cases involving $20,000 or less.

Criminal Court

Criminal court judges hear cases involving criminal offenses. District Courts have original jurisdiction in felony criminal cases. County Courts at Law have jurisdiction over most misdemeanor criminal cases, while Justice Courts and Justices of the Peace hear cases involving misdemeanor crimes are punishable by only fines, not jail time.

Children’s Court

Child Support Court and Child Protection Court both fall under Children’s Court. These courts hear cases involving minor children, child support, and child abuse and/or neglect.

Veterans Court

Veterans Court is a specialized court that addresses the needs of veterans and active duty members who have been charged with certain offenses. This program is at least 12 months long. Veterans with either a mental health condition or traumatic brain injury may be eligible.

During the program, the offender must not commit a criminal offense and must not consume alcohol or non-prescribed controlled drugs. They must submit to drug testing, take all medications as prescribed, and keep all appointments, including compliance hearings. Those who have been charged with sexual offenses or manufacturing drugs are not eligible.

Drug Court

Drug Court is a specialized program for offenders who admit they have substance abuse problems. Long-term substance abuse treatment, random drug and alcohol testing, and court appearances are all mandatory. This program is no less than 12 months long.