Criminal cases in Bell County
Felony cases in Bell County are heard in the state district courts, including the 27th (which also serves Lampasas County), 146th, 169th, 264th, 426th and 478th District Courts. Most misdemeanor cases are heard in the Bell County Courts at Law. Class C misdemeanors, such as many traffic and fine-only offenses, are handled in justice of the peace and municipal courts. Bell County criminal courts and the District and County Clerks are at the Bell County Justice Center in Belton.
- The Bell County District Attorney's Office prosecutes felonies.
- The Bell County Attorney's Office prosecutes misdemeanors and juvenile cases.
GFA LAW practices Innocent Defense. Our approach is to prepare each criminal case as if it will go to trial, investigate the facts, and never assume the police report is the whole story. Learn about Innocent Defense.
Civil rights lawsuits
When an officer or official in Bell County violates your constitutional rights, a lawsuit under 42 U.S.C. 1983 can hold them accountable. These cases are usually filed in federal court. Cases arising in Bell County belong to the Waco Division of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, whose clerk's office is at 800 Franklin Avenue in Waco.
The agencies people in Bell County most often deal with include the Bell County Sheriff's Department, Temple Police Department, Killeen Police Department, Belton Police Department, Harker Heights Police Department, Nolanville Police Department, smaller city departments such as Salado, Troy and Morgan's Point, and the Texas Department of Public Safety. We handle claims for unlawful arrest, excessive force, illegal searches, and retaliation for speech, filming police or carrying a firearm. Learn about Section 1983 lawsuits.
Clearing your record
Most expunction petitions are filed in district court, through the Bell County District Clerk. Some cases, such as acquittals and certain Class C matters, can be handled by the trial court. An order of nondisclosure for a case that ended in deferred adjudication goes back to the court that granted the deferred adjudication: the district court for a felony or the county court at law for a misdemeanor. Eligibility depends on the offense, how the case ended and your other history. Learn about expunction and firearm rights.
Firearm rights
If police in Bell County seized your firearm, Texas law gives you a way to ask for it back once the case ends. People barred from firearms by federal law can now apply to the Department of Justice to restore their federal rights. Learn about federal firearm rights restoration.
Fort Hood
Soldiers, veterans and military families from Fort Hood (known as Fort Cavazos from 2023 to 2025) often face civilian charges or police encounters off post in Bell County. A civilian arrest can carry consequences beyond the criminal case itself, so it is worth getting advice early. We handle the civilian side: the criminal case, the arrest record, any seized firearms, and civil rights claims when officers cross the line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live near Temple to hire GFA LAW?
No. We represent clients throughout Bell County and appear in its courts for hearings and trial.
Where do I file an expunction in Bell County?
Most expunction petitions are filed in district court, through the Bell County District Clerk. Some cases, such as acquittals and certain Class C matters, can be handled by the trial court. We prepare the petition, list every agency that must be notified, and attend the hearing if one is set.
Which federal court hears civil rights cases from Bell County?
The Waco Division of the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas.
How do I start?
Requesting a case review is free. If we can help, the consultation is $350. Call 254-405-1726 or request a case review online.
This page is general information and is not legal advice for your situation. Court assignments and procedures can change, and every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.