Bell County Court Records

What Is Bell County Court Records

Bell County court records encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's judicial system. These records serve as the comprehensive documentation of court activities and legal matters processed through the Bell County courts. Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.022, court records are categorized as public information that must be made available to citizens upon request.

Court records in Bell County typically include:

• Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
• Court dockets listing scheduled hearings and case status
• Judicial orders and final judgments
• Transcripts of court proceedings
• Evidence and exhibits admitted during trials
• Sentencing and probation records in criminal cases
• Settlement agreements in civil matters

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics (birth/death certificates), and tax records, which are maintained by separate county departments. The Bell County District Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian for most court records in the county.

Bell County's judicial system consists of several courts that maintain their respective records:

• District Courts (handling felony criminal cases and civil matters over $200,000)
• County Courts at Law (misdemeanors and civil cases under $200,000)
• Justice of the Peace Courts (small claims, traffic violations, Class C misdemeanors)
• Municipal Courts (city ordinance violations, Class C misdemeanors within city limits)
• Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)

The Texas Rules of Judicial Administration establish standards for record-keeping across all courts in the state, ensuring consistency in how Bell County maintains its judicial documentation.

Are Court Records Public In Bell County

Court records in Bell County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act and the common law principle of open courts. The Texas Constitution under Article I, § 13 establishes that "all courts shall be open," which has been interpreted to include access to court records.

Members of the public may access the following types of court records in Bell County:

• Civil case files (with certain exceptions for sealed records)
• Criminal case files (post-charging, with protections for certain information)
• Court dockets and hearing schedules
• Final judgments and court orders
• Marriage and divorce records
• Probate proceedings and estate inventories

However, certain records may be restricted or redacted to protect privacy or sensitive information. Under Texas Government Code § 552.101, information considered confidential by law is exempt from public disclosure. This includes:

• Juvenile records (with limited exceptions)
• Mental health proceedings
• Adoption records
• Cases involving minors as victims
• Records sealed by court order
• Social security numbers and other personal identifiers

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas (which includes Bell County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state laws. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county resources.

The Texas Judicial Branch has established specific rules regarding public access to court records, which Bell County courts must follow in determining what information is available to the public.

How To Find Court Records in Bell County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Bell County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county currently provides multiple avenues for record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

1. Identify the appropriate court that handled the case
2. Visit the clerk's office during regular business hours
3. Complete a records request form providing case number or party names
4. Present valid photo identification
5. Pay applicable copy fees ($1.00 per page for standard copies)

Bell County District Clerk's Office
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Road
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5197
Bell County District Clerk

Bell County Clerk's Office
Bell County Courthouse
101 E. Central Avenue
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5171
Bell County Clerk

Written Requests:

1. Submit a detailed written request specifying the records sought
2. Include case number, party names, and approximate date of filing
3. Provide return address and contact information
4. Enclose payment for estimated copy fees
5. Mail to the appropriate clerk's office

Online Access:

1. Navigate to the Bell County Judicial Records Search
2. Create a user account if required
3. Enter search criteria (case number, party name, filing date)
4. Review search results and select desired records
5. Pay applicable fees for document downloads

For criminal case information, the Bell County Criminal Case Information Portal provides specialized search capabilities. Additionally, the Texas Judicial Branch offers a directory of all courts in Bell County with contact information for record requests.

How To Look Up Court Records in Bell County Online?

Bell County provides several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These electronic resources allow for remote research of case information without visiting courthouse facilities. Currently, the following online systems are available:

Bell County Judicial Records Search:

1. Access the Bell County Records Search Portal
2. Select the appropriate case type (civil, criminal, family, probate)
3. Enter search parameters (case number, party name, date range)
4. Review results list showing basic case information
5. Select specific cases to view available documents
6. Pay applicable fees for document downloads ($1.00 per page)

This system contains records from District Courts and County Courts at Law.

Texas Judicial Branch - Public Court Records:

1. Visit the Texas Courts Online
2. Select "Bell County" from the jurisdiction dropdown
3. Enter case information in the search fields
4. View basic case information including status and scheduled hearings
5. Note that document downloads may not be available for all cases

The Centex Child Protection Court dockets for Bell County are available through a specialized portal on the Texas Courts website.

Municipal Court Records:

1. Navigate to the specific municipal court website:
   • Belton Municipal Court
   • Killeen Municipal Court
   • Temple Municipal Court
2. Select "Case Search" or "Records Search" option
3. Enter citation number, name, or other identifying information
4. View case status, hearing dates, and payment information

For electronic filing and access to documents submitted to Bell County courts, the eFileTexas system serves as the official platform for attorneys and registered users.

Each online system contains different record types and may have varying levels of detail available. More comprehensive records typically require in-person requests at the appropriate clerk's office.

How To Search Bell County Court Records for Free?

Bell County residents and other interested parties may access certain court records without payment through several channels. Texas Government Code § 552.021 establishes that public information should be available for inspection without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents.

Free In-Person Inspection:

1. Visit the appropriate clerk's office during regular business hours
2. Complete a records request form specifying the case of interest
3. Present identification to the clerk
4. Review records in designated public viewing areas
5. Return materials to staff when finished

No fees are charged for viewing records on-site, though time limits may apply during busy periods.

Free Online Resources:

• Bell County Court Dockets - Provides free access to upcoming court schedules and hearing information
• Bell County Case Status Search - Offers basic case information without charge
• Texas Judicial Branch Case Search - Provides free access to basic case information statewide

Public Access Terminals: Free computer terminals are available at the following locations for searching court records:

Bell County Law Library
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Road, 1st Floor
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5135
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Bell County Public Libraries:

• Belton Public Library - 301 E. 1st Avenue, Belton
• Killeen Public Library - 205 E. Church Avenue, Killeen
• Temple Public Library - 100 W. Adams Avenue, Temple

While basic case information is available without charge, fees typically apply for:

• Printed copies ($1.00 per page)
• Certified copies ($5.00 per document plus $1.00 per page)
• Electronic document downloads ($1.00 per page)
• Research assistance ($5.00 per name/record searched)

The Bell County District Clerk's Fee Schedule provides a complete listing of applicable charges for various record services.

What's Included in a Bell County Court Record?

Bell County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include several standard components as well as case-specific documentation.

Standard Components in Most Court Records:

• Case information sheet with party names, attorneys, and filing date
• Docket sheet listing all actions and filings in chronological order
• Pleadings (petitions, complaints, answers, counterclaims)
• Motions and responses
• Court orders and judicial rulings
• Final judgments or decrees
• Proof of service documents
• Hearing notices and scheduling information

Civil Case Records Additionally Include:

• Damage claims and monetary demands
• Discovery documents (when filed with the court)
• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Expert witness designations
• Settlement agreements (if not sealed)
• Jury verdicts or bench trial findings
• Post-judgment collection efforts

Criminal Case Records Additionally Include:

• Charging documents (indictments or information)
• Arrest warrants and probable cause affidavits
• Bond information and conditions of release
• Plea agreements
• Pre-sentence investigation reports (access may be restricted)
• Sentencing orders and judgment of conviction
• Probation terms and compliance reports
• Appeal notices and briefs

Family Law Records Additionally Include:

• Marriage and divorce certificates
• Child custody and support orders
• Parenting plans and visitation schedules
• Property division agreements
• Protective orders
• Name change decrees
• Adoption proceedings (may be sealed)

Probate Records Additionally Include:

• Wills and codicils
• Letters testamentary or administration
• Inventories of estate assets
• Claims against estates
• Guardianship appointments and reports
• Estate distribution orders

Pursuant to Texas Rules of Civil Procedure Rule 76a, certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed within these records, including social security numbers, bank account information, and medical records. Additionally, cases involving minors often have heightened privacy protections.

How Long Does Bell County Keep Court Records?

Bell County maintains court records according to retention schedules established by the Texas State Library and Archives Commission under the authority of Texas Local Government Code § 203.041. These schedules mandate minimum retention periods for various document types, though many records are preserved permanently.

Permanent Retention:

• All case files from District Courts
• Final judgments and decrees from all courts
• Index and docket books
• Adoption records
• Mental health commitment records
• Real property case records
• Probate case files involving wills and estates
• Criminal cases involving capital offenses

Extended Retention Periods:

• Misdemeanor criminal cases: 5 years after final disposition
• Traffic and Class C misdemeanors: 5 years after final disposition
• Small claims and justice court civil cases: 4 years after final judgment
• Juvenile records: Until the individual reaches age 23 (with exceptions)
• Temporary protective orders: 3 years after expiration
• Probation records: 10 years after termination of probation

Administrative Court Records:

• Court reporter notes: 3 years after final judgment (if transcribed)
• Exhibits: 30 days after final disposition (unless ordered returned)
• Jury records: 1 year after jury service
• Court appointment records: 5 years

Bell County has implemented digital preservation systems for many court records, allowing for longer retention than the minimum requirements. The Bell County Records Management Department oversees the preservation and eventual disposition of court records according to these schedules.

Records scheduled for destruction undergo review by the District Clerk, County Clerk, and County Attorney before disposal. Historical records of significant value may be transferred to the Bell County Historical Commission for permanent preservation rather than being destroyed.

Individuals seeking older records should contact the appropriate clerk's office to determine if the records still exist and what retrieval methods are available.

Types of Courts In Bell County

Bell County's judicial system consists of multiple court levels with varying jurisdictions and authority. Each court handles specific case types and maintains its own records.

District Courts: Bell County has four district courts (27th, 146th, 169th, and 426th) that handle felony criminal cases, civil matters over $200,000, family law cases, and juvenile matters.

27th District Court
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Road
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5261
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Bell County District Courts

County Courts at Law: Bell County has three County Courts at Law handling misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters between $20,000 and $200,000, probate cases, and mental health proceedings.

Bell County Court at Law #1
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Road
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5238
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Bell County Courts at Law

Justice of the Peace Courts: Bell County has five Justice of the Peace precincts handling small claims (up to $20,000), traffic cases, Class C misdemeanors, evictions, and preliminary hearings.

Justice of the Peace, Precinct 1
Bell County Courthouse Annex
550 East 2nd Avenue
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5298
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Bell County Justice Courts

Municipal Courts: Each city in Bell County maintains its own Municipal Court handling city ordinance violations, traffic cases, and Class C misdemeanors within city limits.

Belton Municipal Court
711 East 2nd Avenue
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5838
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Belton Municipal Court

Killeen Municipal Court
200 East Avenue D
Killeen, TX 76541
(254) 501-7850
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Killeen Municipal Court

Specialized Courts: Bell County also operates several specialized courts including:

Bell County Veterans Treatment Court
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Road
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5235
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Centex Child Protection Court #2
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Road
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5261
Centex Child Protection Court Dockets

The court hierarchy in Bell County follows the Texas judicial structure with appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts going to County Courts at Law, and appeals from County Courts at Law and District Courts proceeding to the Third Court of Appeals in Austin, with final appeals to the Texas Supreme Court (civil) or Court of Criminal Appeals (criminal).

What Types of Cases Do Bell County Courts Hear?

Bell County's courts adjudicate a wide range of legal matters, with each court level designated to handle specific case types based on subject matter and monetary thresholds.

District Courts (27th, 146th, 169th, and 426th):

• Felony criminal prosecutions
• Civil lawsuits with amounts in controversy exceeding $200,000
• Divorce and marriage dissolution
• Child custody and support disputes
• Property division in family matters
• Juvenile delinquency proceedings
• Child protective services cases
• Real property disputes
• Tax cases
• Election contests

County Courts at Law (#1, #2, and #3):

• Misdemeanor criminal cases (Class A and B)
• Civil matters with amounts between $20,000 and $200,000
• Probate of wills and administration of estates
• Guardianship proceedings
• Mental health commitments
• Appeals from Justice and Municipal Courts
• Eminent domain proceedings
• Occupational driver's license applications

Justice of the Peace Courts (Precincts 1-5):

• Small claims cases (up to $20,000)
• Civil suits up to $20,000
• Eviction proceedings
• Traffic violations
• Class C misdemeanors
• Magistrate functions (arrest warrants, search warrants)
• Preliminary hearings in criminal cases
• Peace bond applications
• Inquests and death investigations
• Marriage ceremonies

Municipal Courts (Belton, Killeen, Temple, etc.):

• City ordinance violations
• Traffic offenses within city limits
• Class C misdemeanors occurring within city boundaries
• Parking violations
• Code enforcement cases
• Juvenile curfew violations
• Animal control violations
• Public intoxication
• Theft under $100

Specialized Courts:

• Veterans Treatment Court: Criminal cases involving military veterans
• Drug Court: Substance abuse-related offenses with rehabilitation focus
• Mental Health Court: Cases involving defendants with mental illness
• Child Protection Court: Abuse and neglect cases, termination of parental rights

The jurisdiction of these courts is established by the Texas Government Code and local administrative orders. In some instances, courts may have concurrent jurisdiction, meaning multiple courts could potentially hear the same type of case. The Bell County District Clerk and County Clerk can provide guidance on which court has jurisdiction over specific legal matters.

How To Find a Court Docket In Bell County

Court dockets in Bell County provide schedules of upcoming hearings, trials, and other court proceedings. These calendars are essential for determining when and where specific cases will be heard. Several methods exist for accessing Bell County court dockets:

Online Docket Access:

1. Visit the Bell County District Clerk's website
2. Select the specific court from the dropdown menu
3. Choose the desired date range
4. View or download the PDF docket sheet
5. Search for specific cases using browser search function (Ctrl+F)

For child protection cases, the Centex Child Protection Court dockets are available through a specialized portal.

In-Person Docket Review:

1. Visit the clerk's office for the relevant court
2. Request to view the current docket book or printout
3. Dockets are typically organized by date and judge
4. Staff can assist with locating specific cases

Telephone Docket Information:

1. Contact the appropriate court coordinator:
   • District Courts: (254) 933-5261
   • County Courts at Law: (254) 933-5238
   • Justice Courts: Contact specific precinct
   • Municipal Courts: Contact specific city court
2. Provide case number or party names
3. Request hearing date and time information

Attorney Portal Access: Attorneys registered with eFileTexas can access docket information through their secure portal, which provides case management features and hearing notifications.

Public Terminals: Computer terminals at the Bell County Justice Center and Bell County Courthouse provide free access to docket information during regular business hours.

Docket information typically includes:

• Case number and style (parties involved)
• Presiding judge
• Hearing type (arraignment, motion, trial, etc.)
• Date and time of proceeding
• Courtroom location
• Attorney information
• Brief description of scheduled action

Dockets are subject to change, and it is advisable to verify hearing information the day before any scheduled proceeding by contacting the court directly. The Bell County Sheriff's Office also maintains jail court dockets for in-custody defendants.

Which Courts in Bell County Are Not Courts of Record?

In the Texas judicial system, a distinction exists between "courts of record" and "courts not of record." This classification determines whether proceedings are formally transcribed and what appeal procedures apply. According to Texas Government Code § 30.00003, courts of record maintain official transcripts of all proceedings, while courts not of record do not systematically preserve verbatim accounts.

Courts Not of Record in Bell County:

Justice of the Peace Courts (All Precincts): Justice Courts in Bell County operate as courts not of record. While they maintain case files and docket sheets, they do not routinely create or preserve verbatim transcripts of proceedings. Appeals from these courts proceed to County Courts at Law as trials de novo (new trials), rather than reviews of the record.

Some Municipal Courts: While larger cities in Bell County have established municipal courts of record, smaller municipalities may operate courts not of record. Currently, the following municipal courts function as courts not of record:

• Harker Heights Municipal Court
• Nolanville Municipal Court
• Rogers Municipal Court
• Troy Municipal Court
• Little River-Academy Municipal Court

Courts of Record in Bell County:

• All District Courts (27th, 146th, 169th, and 426th)
• All County Courts at Law (#1, #2, and #3)
• Belton Municipal Court of Record
• Killeen Municipal Court of Record
• Temple Municipal Court of Record

The practical implications of a court not being a court of record include:

1. Appeals are handled as completely new trials rather than reviews of prior proceedings
2. No official transcript exists for reference in subsequent proceedings
3. The rules of evidence and procedure may be applied less formally
4. Proceedings may move more quickly without court reporters

The status of municipal courts can change through city ordinance, as authorized by Texas Government Code Chapter 30. Cities may elect to establish their municipal courts as courts of record to enhance the formality of proceedings and modify the appeal process.

Lookup Court Records in Bell County

Municipal Court

Texas Courts Online | Centex Child Protection Court #2 | Bell County

Municipal Court of Record | City of Killeen, TX

eFileTexas.Gov | Official E-Filing System for Texas