Bell County DWI Court Guide

The Bell County Loop Jail is located at 2405 S. Loop 121, Belton, TX 76513.

DWI Court Procedures in Bell County, Texas: A Local Guide

This guide provides essential information about navigating DWI court procedures specifically in Bell County, Texas. Understanding these local processes can significantly impact the outcome of your case.

Phase I: Vehicle Impound and Towing

Immediately following a DWI arrest, your vehicle will likely be impounded. In Bell County, the destination of your vehicle depends on the arresting agency's rotational tow list. There isn't a single, centralized "Bell County Impound." Key towing companies include:

• Temple Towing: Primarily serves the eastern sector of Bell County. Located at 3815 W. Shallow Ford Road. Operates with 24-hour live dispatch. Standard business administrative office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, though release operations technically run 24/7.
• Killeen Towing & Recovery: Dominates the western sector and is located on State Highway 195. Advertises "Open 24 Hours" for dispatch, but release hours may be subject to statutory caveats.

Key Financial Considerations:

• Standard Tow Fee: Capped at $272.00 for light-duty incident management tows. Be aware of potential surcharges for dollies or flatbeds.
• Impound Fee: $20.00.
• Daily Storage Fee: $22.85 per day for vehicles under 25 feet.
• Administrative Fees: Cities like Temple may impose an additional $150.00 Administrative Fee for vehicles impounded under specific statutes.

The "Midnight Crossing" Rule: If your vehicle is stored for fewer than 12 hours, you should only be charged for one day of storage, even if the storage period crosses midnight.

If the vehicle owner is present at the scene of the arrest (or a sober passenger is present) and the vehicle is hooked up to the tow truck but has not left the property/parking lot, the owner has the right to demand a "Drop Fee".

VSF-13 Proxy Release: If the registered owner is incarcerated, they must sign a VSF-13 Personal Vehicle Owner Removal and/or Inspection Form.

Phase II: Detention and Bail

The Bell County Loop Jail, located at 2405 S. Loop 121, Belton, TX 76513, serves as the primary detention facility. The phone number is (254) 933-5402.

Bond Options:

• Surety Bond: Utilize a licensed bail bondsman. The Sheriff maintains an "Official Listing" of authorized bondsmen. Notable high-volume operators include "AA Best Bail Bonds" (License #116) and "Strike 3 Bail Bonds".
• Cash Bond: The full amount is paid directly to the jail or court. Cash bonds are posted at the District Clerk's Office (M-F, 8-5).
• Personal Bond (PR Bond): Contact the Bell County Personal Bond Department at (254) 933-5407. This option involves a small administrative fee and strict conditions and is often available for first-time offenders with strong community ties.

The Bell County Jail operates on rigid 12-hour shift cycles. During shift change, all inmate movement stops to ensure an accurate headcount. Critical Blackout Windows: 06:00 – 07:00 and 18:00 – 19:00.

Lobby Dress Code: No sleeveless shirts, no skirts/dresses more than 2 inches above the knee, and no spandex, leggings, or yoga pants worn as an outermost garment.

Phase III: Judicial Proceedings

Misdemeanor DUI cases (1st & 2nd Offense) are handled by the County Courts at Law (CCL):

• County Court at Law No. 1: Judge Paul A. Motz. Located at P.O. Box 781, Belton.
• County Court at Law No. 2: Judge John Michael Mischtian. Located at P.O. Box 485, Belton.
• County Court at Law No. 3: Judge Rebecca DePew. Located at P.O. Box 365, Belton.

Felony DUI cases (3rd Offense, Intoxication Assault/Manslaughter) are elevated to the District Courts. 264th District Court: Judge Paul L. LePak. The Bell County Loop Jail is located at 2405 S. Loop 121, Belton, TX 76513.