Arrested in Bell County? Here's What Happens Next
An arrest in Bell County moves fast, and the first days matter most. Here is where cases are heard, how the county handles them, and how our forensic-trained trial team protects your record.
Bell County Justice Center
About Criminal Court in Bell County
If you have been arrested or charged with a criminal offense in Bell County, your case will be heard at the Bell County Justice Center in Belton, the county seat, in the heart of Central Texas. This guide explains where the courthouse is, which courts hear which cases, who the judges are, and what to expect when you appear.
All of Bell County’s district courts and County Courts at Law sit at the Justice Center on Huey Road in Belton. Felony cases are heard in the 27th, 264th, and 426th District Courts, while misdemeanors move through the three County Courts at Law. Three additional district courts (the 146th, 169th, and 478th) handle civil and family matters. Bell County includes Temple, Killeen, Harker Heights, Belton, and Copperas Cove, and is home to Fort Cavazos. The District Clerk maintains felony and district-court records and the County Clerk handles misdemeanor records. Knowing which court your case is assigned to before you arrive will save you time.
Criminal Courts in Bell County
| Court | Judge | Hears | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 27th District Court | Judge Debbie Garrett | Felonies, civil, and family | took office January 2025 |
| 264th District Court | Judge Paul L. LePak | Felonies, civil, and family | |
| 426th District Court | Judge Steve Duskie | Felonies, civil, and family | |
| County Court at Law No. 1 | Judge Paul A. Motz | Misdemeanors, civil, and probate | |
| County Court at Law No. 2 | Judge John Mischtian | Misdemeanors, civil, and probate | |
| County Court at Law No. 3 | Judge Rebecca DePew | Misdemeanors, juvenile, and specialty courts |
What to Expect at the Bell County Justice Center
Where to Park
The Bell County Justice Center is a modern complex on Huey Road with a large parking lot. Arrive early, especially on busy docket mornings, so you have time to park and clear the metal detectors.
What to Bring
Bring a photo ID, any paperwork or letters about your case, and your attorney’s contact information. Coordinate with your lawyer beforehand so you know which court and floor to report to.
Finding Your Courtroom
All district courts and County Courts at Law are in the Justice Center. Felonies are heard in the 27th, 264th, and 426th District Courts; misdemeanors in the three County Courts at Law. The District Clerk’s criminal windows are on the first floor. Check the lobby directory and confirm your court ahead of time.
How to Dress
Treat court like a job interview. Business or business-casual clothing shows the judge you take the matter seriously. Avoid shorts, tank tops, hats, and clothing with offensive images or wording.
Arraignment, Pretrial, and Trial
Misdemeanor cases move through initial settings, discovery, and negotiation in the County Courts at Law. Felony cases first go to a grand jury, and if an indictment is returned the case is assigned to a district court for hearings, motions, and either a plea or trial. Timelines vary by charge and court.
How Bond Works
After booking at the Bell County Jail, a magistrate sets bond and conditions, usually within 24 to 48 hours of arrest. Bond can be posted as a cash bond paid to the county or as a surety bond through a licensed bondsman, typically about 10 percent of the amount.
How Dockets Move
Resets are common in the early stages while evidence is exchanged, but they are granted at the court’s discretion. Each court handles plea offers and bond conditions a little differently.
If You Have to Miss a Setting
Missing a court date can lead to a bond forfeiture and a warrant for your arrest. If you cannot attend, contact your attorney right away so they can ask the court to reset the date before the setting is missed.
Security and What You Can Bring Inside
Everyone entering the Bell County Justice Center passes through metal detectors and security screening run by the Sheriff’s Office, similar to airport security. Lines are longest during morning docket hours, so plan to arrive early.
Prohibited items generally include weapons and ammunition of any kind, sharp objects and tools, lighters, aerosols, pepper spray, vapes, and glass or metal containers. Phones are generally allowed but may not be used to photograph or record inside the courtrooms. Confirm the current prohibited-items list with the Sheriff’s Office before you go.
Getting Here
The Bell County Justice Center is on Huey Road in Belton, just off Loop 121. Use the Get Directions button for a live route from where you are.
From Our Waco office (605 Austin Avenue, Suite 5)
Head south on I-35 to Belton, take the Loop 121 exit west, then turn onto Huey Road; the Justice Center is on the right. Roughly 45 to 55 minutes depending on traffic.
From From Temple, Killeen, or Harker Heights
Take I-35 or US-190 (Central Texas Expressway) to Belton and the Loop 121 exit; the Bell County Justice Center is on Huey Road.
Jail, Bond, and County Offices
Bell County Jail (Sheriff's Office)
Central Jail, 111 W. Central Avenue, Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5400
Website
Operated by the Bell County Sheriff's Office. Defendants are booked and processed after arrest; booking/intake line (254) 933-5450. The Sheriff also operates the Loop Jail at 2405 S. Loop 121, Belton. Inmate inquiry is available online.
27th Judicial District Attorney — Stephanie Newell
Bell County Justice Center, 1201 Huey Road, Suite 2100, Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5215
Website
Prosecutes felony criminal cases in Bell County.
Bell County District Clerk — Joanna Staton
Bell County Justice Center, 1201 Huey Road, 1st Floor, Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5197
Website
Maintains felony and district-court records; the criminal and civil service windows are in the first-floor lobby.
Bell County Sheriff's Office
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5400
Website
Operates the county jail, provides courthouse security, and serves warrants county-wide. Booking/intake: (254) 933-5450.
Law Enforcement Agencies
| Agency | Phone | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bell County Sheriff's Office | (254) 933-5400 | |
| Temple Police Department | (254) 298-5500 | |
| Killeen Police Department | (254) 501-8800 | |
| Belton Police Department | (254) 933-5840 | |
| Harker Heights Police Department | (254) 953-5400 | |
| Copperas Cove Police Department | (254) 547-8222 | |
| Texas Department of Public Safety | traffic enforcement on state highways |
Online Court Resources
- Bell County Court Records & Dockets (Public Portal) — Search court hearings, case records, and dockets online.
- Bell County Inmate Inquiry — Look up current inmates in the Bell County Jail by name.
- Pay Citations & Court Fines — Pay eligible citations and court fines online.
- Texas DPS ALR hearings — Request a hearing on a license suspension after a DWI arrest. You have 15 days from the date of notice to request one.
DWI Defense Across North Texas
We try cases county by county. Start with the market closest to your court.
Collin County DWI Lawyer
McKinney prosecutors do not reduce DWIs, so the defense has to start early.
Learn MoreDallas DWI Lawyer
Science-driven DWI defense in the Frank Crowley courts, from first offense to felony.
Learn MoreDenton DWI Lawyer
A dedicated county DWI unit prosecutes these cases, and a state lab tests blood.
Learn MoreFort Worth DWI Lawyer
Tim Curry courts, a county medical examiner lab, and deferred adjudication on the table.
Learn MoreRockwall County DWI Lawyer
Most begin as an I-30 stop and end at the county courts downtown.
Learn MoreWaco DWI Lawyer
A McLennan County case heard downtown, where Baylor and under-21 rules matter.
Learn MoreWho Will Handle Your Case
Waco Office
Our Waco Office
Our nearest office is at 605 Austin Avenue, Suite 5, Waco, TX 76701.
Bell County Case Results
Domestic Violence Assault
Domestic violence assault charge dismissed
DWI
DWI charge dismissed
Domestic Violence Assault
Domestic violence assault charge dismissed
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is decided on its own facts.
Bell County Court FAQ
Charged in Bell County? Get a Real Defense.
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