Bell County Criminal Records
What Is Bell County Criminal Records
Bell County criminal records are official documents that chronicle an individual's interactions with the criminal justice system within Bell County, Texas. These records are maintained pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, which establishes guidelines for criminal history record information.
Criminal records in Bell County encompass several distinct categories:
- Arrest Records: Documentation of when an individual is taken into custody by law enforcement, including the Bell County Sheriff's Office or local police departments. These records exist whether or not charges are ultimately filed.
- Conviction Records: Official documentation of guilty verdicts or pleas, representing final judgments in criminal cases.
- Felony Records: Documentation of serious crimes punishable by imprisonment of one year or more.
- Misdemeanor Records: Documentation of less serious offenses typically punishable by fines or jail terms under one year.
- Adult Records: Criminal proceedings for individuals 17 and older, which are generally accessible to the public.
- Juvenile Records: Records for individuals under 17, which are typically sealed under Texas Family Code § 58.003 and not publicly accessible.
- Active Warrants: Current orders for arrest issued by Bell County courts.
- Historical Records: Documentation of past criminal proceedings, regardless of outcome.
Multiple agencies maintain different components of Bell County criminal records:
Bell County Sheriff's Office
104 S Main St
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5412
Bell County Sheriff's Office
Bell County District Clerk
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Rd
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5197
Bell County District Clerk
Bell County Attorney's Office
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Rd
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5135
Bell County Attorney
A comprehensive Bell County criminal record typically includes documentation of charges, arraignments, pleas, trial proceedings, verdicts, sentencing, and probation or parole information. These records serve as the official history of an individual's involvement with the Bell County criminal justice system.
Are Criminal Records Public In Bell County
Criminal records in Bell County are generally public documents subject to disclosure under the Texas Public Information Act, which establishes the public's right to access government records. According to Texas Government Code § 552.021, "Public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body."
The following categories of Bell County criminal records are typically available for public inspection:
- Adult arrest records
- Court proceedings and dockets
- Conviction records
- Sentencing information
- Incarceration records
- Probation and parole status
However, certain categories of criminal records remain restricted from public access:
- Active criminal investigations, as protected under Texas Government Code § 552.108
- Juvenile records (for offenders under 17), which are sealed pursuant to Texas Family Code § 58.003
- Records that have been expunged or sealed by court order
- Information that would compromise the safety of victims or witnesses
- Records containing sensitive personal information as defined by Texas Government Code § 552.147
The Bell County District Clerk maintains court records related to criminal proceedings, while the Bell County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest and incarceration records. Both agencies must comply with state laws regarding public access to these documents.
Members of the public seeking access to Bell County criminal records must follow established procedures for record requests, which may include submitting formal applications and paying applicable fees. While the Texas Public Information Act establishes a presumption of openness, certain statutory exceptions protect sensitive information from disclosure.
Law enforcement agencies and court officials in Bell County are required to balance the public's right to information with privacy protections established under state and federal law. This balance ensures transparency in the criminal justice system while safeguarding sensitive information from improper disclosure.
How To Look Up Criminal Records In Bell County in 2026
Members of the public may access Bell County criminal records through several established channels. The following procedures are currently in effect for obtaining criminal record information:
In-Person Requests:
-
Visit the Bell County District Clerk's office during regular business hours:
Bell County District Clerk
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Rd
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5197
Bell County District Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM -
Complete a records request form, providing the subject's full name and, if possible, date of birth or case number.
-
Present valid government-issued photo identification.
-
Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $5.00 per name search plus $1.00 per page for copies).
-
For certified copies, an additional fee of $5.00 per document applies.
Mail Requests:
-
Download and complete the records request form from the Bell County District Clerk's website.
-
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope.
-
Enclose a check or money order for applicable fees.
-
Mail the request to:
Bell County District Clerk
Attn: Records Request
P.O. Box 909
Belton, TX 76513
Criminal History Reports:
For comprehensive criminal history information, individuals may request records from:
Texas Department of Public Safety
Crime Records Service
P.O. Box 4143
Austin, TX 78765
(512) 424-2474
Texas DPS Crime Records Division
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 411.135, requestors must provide:
- Full name of the subject
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number (if available)
- Completed fingerprint card (for complete criminal history)
- Required fees ($25 for name-based searches, $15 for fingerprint-based searches)
Processing times vary based on request volume and complexity. In-person requests typically receive same-day service for basic searches, while mail requests may require 10-15 business days for processing. Criminal history reports from the Texas Department of Public Safety generally require 3-5 business days for name-based searches and 7-10 days for fingerprint-based searches.
How To Find Criminal Records in Bell County Online?
Bell County provides several digital platforms for accessing criminal records information. These online resources offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests at county offices.
Bell County Judicial Records Search:
The Bell County District Clerk maintains an online case information system accessible through the county website. To utilize this resource:
- Navigate to the Bell County Judicial Records Search
- Select the appropriate search criteria (name, case number, date range)
- Enter the required information
- Review search results, which typically include:
- Case numbers
- Filing dates
- Charge information
- Case status
- Scheduled hearings
- Party information
This system provides access to basic case information but does not include complete case files or documents.
Bell County Jail Population Search:
The Bell County Sheriff's Office maintains a current jail roster accessible online:
- Visit the Bell County Jail Population Search
- Enter search criteria (last name, first name)
- Review results, which typically include:
- Inmate name
- Booking date
- Charges
- Bond information
- Next court date
Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal History Search:
For statewide criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety offers an online search portal:
- Visit the Texas DPS Criminal History Search
- Create an account or log in as a guest
- Select search type (name-based or fingerprint-based)
- Enter required information
- Pay applicable fees ($3.15 for name-based searches)
- Review results
The Texas DPS system provides access to statewide criminal history information, including records from Bell County and other Texas jurisdictions. This resource is particularly valuable for comprehensive background checks.
Public Access Limitations:
Online access to Bell County criminal records is subject to certain limitations:
- Complete case files and court documents typically require in-person requests
- Certain sensitive information is redacted from online records
- Juvenile records and sealed cases are not available through public portals
- Records prior to 1990 may have limited online availability
For records not available online, requestors must follow the in-person or mail request procedures outlined in the previous section.
Can You Search Bell County Criminal Records for Free?
Bell County provides several options for accessing criminal records without charge, in accordance with the Texas Public Information Act. This statute establishes that "public information is available to the public at a minimum during the normal business hours of the governmental body."
Free In-Person Inspection:
Members of the public may inspect criminal records at no cost by visiting:
Bell County District Clerk
Bell County Justice Center
1201 Huey Rd
Belton, TX 76513
(254) 933-5197
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
While inspection is free, the following conditions apply:
- Valid government-issued photo identification is required
- Staff assistance may be limited based on availability
- Records must be viewed in designated areas
- No photography or scanning of documents is permitted
- Copy fees apply if printed copies are requested ($1.00 per page)
Free Online Resources:
Bell County offers several no-cost online resources for criminal records:
-
Bell County Jail Population Search
- Provides current inmate information
- Searchable by name
- Updated daily
- Available at Bell County Sheriff's Office website
-
Bell County Court Docket
- Lists scheduled court appearances
- Searchable by date and court
- Does not include case details
- Available through the Bell County District Clerk
-
Bell County Judicial Records Search
- Provides basic case information
- Limited to case numbers, filing dates, and status
- Does not include document access
- Available through the county website
Fee-Based Services:
For more comprehensive criminal record searches, fees apply:
- Name-based searches: $5.00 per name
- Document copies: $1.00 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 per document
- Criminal history reports: $25.00 (Texas DPS)
Pursuant to Texas Government Code § 552.261, "The charge for providing a copy of public information shall be an amount that reasonably includes all costs related to reproducing the public information." Bell County establishes fees in accordance with this provision.
For individuals unable to afford search fees, fee waivers may be available under certain circumstances as provided by Texas Government Code § 552.267, which states that "a governmental body shall provide a copy of public information without charge or at a reduced charge if the governmental body determines that waiver or reduction of the charge is in the public interest."
What's Included in a Bell County Criminal Record?
Bell County criminal records contain comprehensive documentation of an individual's interactions with the local criminal justice system. These records typically include several categories of information as outlined below:
Identifying Information:
- Full legal name and known aliases
- Date of birth
- Physical description (height, weight, eye color, hair color)
- Mugshot or booking photograph
- Last known address
- State Identification Number (SID)
- FBI number (if applicable)
- Fingerprint classification
Arrest Information:
- Date and time of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Booking number
- Charges filed at time of arrest
- Bail or bond amount
- Detention facility
Court Case Information:
- Case number
- Court of jurisdiction
- Filing date
- Formal charges and applicable statutes
- Classification of offenses (felony or misdemeanor)
- Plea information
- Attorney of record
- Judge assigned
Disposition Information:
- Verdict (guilty, not guilty, dismissed)
- Conviction date (if applicable)
- Sentencing details:
- Incarceration terms
- Probation conditions
- Fines and court costs
- Restitution orders
- Special conditions
- Appeal information
- Probation or parole status
Additional Information:
- Active warrants
- Protective orders
- Sex offender registration requirements
- DUI/DWI offenses
- Traffic violations
- Pending charges
The comprehensiveness of Bell County criminal records varies based on the nature of the offense and the agencies involved. Records maintained by the Bell County District Clerk focus primarily on court proceedings, while records from the Bell County Sheriff's Office emphasize arrest and detention information.
Criminal records in Bell County are maintained in accordance with Texas Government Code § 411.135, which establishes standards for criminal history record information. This statute ensures that records contain accurate and complete information regarding arrests, prosecutions, and dispositions.
For the most comprehensive criminal history information, the Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Service maintains statewide records that include Bell County cases along with criminal history from other Texas jurisdictions.
How Long Does Bell County Keep Criminal Records?
Bell County maintains criminal 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 establish minimum retention periods for various types of criminal records.
Arrest Records:
- Arrest reports and booking information: Permanent retention
- Fingerprint cards: 75 years from date of arrest
- Mugshot photographs: 75 years from date of arrest
- Jail records: 5 years after release or discharge
Misdemeanor Case Records:
- Class A and B misdemeanors: 20 years after case closure
- Class C misdemeanors: 5 years after case closure
- Dismissed cases: 5 years after dismissal
Felony Case Records:
- Capital felonies: Permanent retention
- First and second-degree felonies: 50 years after case closure
- Third-degree felonies: 30 years after case closure
- State jail felonies: 20 years after case closure
- Dismissed felony cases: 10 years after dismissal
Court Records:
- Court dockets: Permanent retention
- Court minutes: Permanent retention
- Judgments and sentencing orders: Permanent retention
- Exhibits and evidence: Until all appeals exhausted plus 3 years
Probation and Parole Records:
- Probation files: 10 years after termination of probation
- Parole supervision records: 10 years after termination of parole
These retention periods represent minimum requirements. In practice, Bell County often maintains records beyond these minimums, particularly for serious offenses. Digital conversion of older paper records is ongoing, with priority given to felony cases and records with significant public interest.
It is important to note that even after physical records reach the end of their retention period, information about criminal cases may still exist in various databases. The Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division maintains criminal history information indefinitely for most adult offenses.
Records that have been expunged pursuant to Texas Code of Criminal Procedure Chapter 55 are removed from public access and destroyed according to court order. Similarly, records that have been sealed under an order of nondisclosure are removed from public access but maintained for law enforcement purposes.
Lookup Criminal Records in Bell County
Texas Department of Public Safety Crime Records Division