If you have been arrested or charged in Killeen, the case does not stay in Killeen. Bell County runs its criminal docket out of the Bell County Justice Center at 1201 Huey Road in Belton, the county seat, about an hour north of our downtown Austin office. Killeen is the county's largest city, but it has no felony trial court of its own, so understanding how Bell County actually handles a case matters from day one.
The Local Reality in Bell County
Bell County splits prosecution between two offices, and which office holds your file shapes the whole case. The Bell County Attorney prosecutes misdemeanors (including most first- and second-offense DWI, low-level drug possession, theft, and assault by contact) through the county's three County Courts at Law. The Bell County District Attorney (27th Judicial District) prosecutes felonies through the district courts, the 27th, 264th, and 426th. Knowing which prosecutor and which court you are facing tells you how the case is likely to be filed, negotiated, and set for trial.
Killeen also sits next to Fort Hood, and that changes the mix of cases and the stakes. A civilian arrest can carry separate military or command consequences for service members on top of the state case. If you are active duty, that is a conversation to have with your lawyer immediately, not after the state case is over.
None of this guarantees a particular result; no honest lawyer can promise an outcome. But knowing the terrain lets us build a defense that fits how Bell County works rather than how someone assumes it works.
Charges We Handle in Bell County
Lance Kennedy Law defends the full range of Killeen and Bell County criminal matters, including:
DWI and DUI defense: from a first-offense stop on I-14 to felony repeat and intoxication charges
Drug crimes: possession, delivery, and manufacturing
Not sure where your charge fits? Start with our practice areas overview or call and describe what happened.
Your Nearest Office
We are based in downtown Austin and appear in Bell County:
Lance Kennedy Law 111 Congress Avenue, Suite 500, Austin, TX Phone: (737) 324-7540
The Bell County Justice Center in Belton is roughly an hour up I-35 from the office, an easy drive we make regularly for settings and hearings.
Courthouse Logistics
Need parking, court addresses, filing details, and what to expect on your court date? Our full Bell County courthouse guide covers the practical logistics of getting through a day at the Justice Center. This page is about who to hire; the courthouse guide is about where to go and what to bring.
Free Bell County DWI Resource
If you are facing a DWI, our Bell County DWI book walks through the local process step by step: what happens after the stop, the ALR license hearing deadline, and how misdemeanor and felony DWI are handled differently here. (Note: this resource is pending build; link will go live when published.)
Frequently Asked Questions
Where will my Killeen criminal case be heard?
At the Bell County Justice Center in Belton, the county seat, about an hour north of downtown Austin. Felony charges go to the district courts (the 27th, 264th, and 426th); Class A and B misdemeanors, including most DWIs, are handled in the county courts at law. Killeen is the county's largest city, but there is no separate felony trial court in Killeen itself.
Who prosecutes criminal charges out of Killeen?
It depends on the level of the charge. The Bell County Attorney's office prosecutes misdemeanors, including first- and second-offense DWI. The Bell County District Attorney's office (27th Judicial District) prosecutes felonies. Which office holds your file affects how the case is negotiated and where it is filed.
Is a DWI in Killeen a misdemeanor or a felony?
A first or second DWI is generally a misdemeanor prosecuted by the County Attorney. A third or subsequent DWI, DWI with a child passenger, intoxication assault, or intoxication manslaughter is a felony handled by the District Attorney. The distinction changes both the range of punishment and the court.
Does being stationed at or near Fort Hood affect my case?
It can. Killeen sits next to Fort Hood, and a civilian arrest can carry separate military or command consequences for service members alongside the state case. Tell your attorney about your military status early so both tracks can be managed together.
Do I have to travel to Belton for every court setting?
Not always. For many misdemeanor and pretrial settings, your attorney can appear on your behalf or arrange your appearance, though some hearings require you to be there in person. Confirm each setting with your lawyer.
Talk to a Killeen Defense Lawyer
Charged in Killeen or anywhere in Bell County? Get a free, confidential case review.
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We understand that facing criminal charges can be overwhelming and stressful. As dedicated federal criminal defense attorney with years of experience, I am committed to providing personalized legal counsel for your defense. My approach is tailored to meet your unique needs, ensuring that you have an ally to help get your life back.
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Get a Free Case Review
Let’s discuss your case, your goals, and what strategies are right for you.
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I will lead you every step of the way. Together, we will fight for a dismissal.
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Work to get the best results possible so you can get your life back.
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney in Austin is an important decision. At Lance Kennedy Law, our criminal defense attorneys understand the weight of this choice and the trust you place in your legal representative. Our promise to you goes beyond just words, it’s a tangible commitment to excellence, transparency, and relentless advocacy as we navigate your case together.
