Bell County Jail – Belton, TX

Bell County Jail is located in Bell County and is the main correctional facility for this region. Are you looking for someone at Bell County Jail? This page gives you info about everything related to Bell County Jail,like: How to locate an inmate. Find mugshots and inmate photos. The jail’s address and phone number. Bail and how to get out of jail. Booking and intake procedures. Court information. And much more…

The prospect of getting arrested and going to jail is a scary idea, not only for whoever gets arrested, but also that person’s family and friends. This guide is meant to give you information and advice that you’ll need to make going to jail a little less stressful. If you have specific questions, just ask them, and also any tips or comments that would be beneficial to other people in the same situation is appreciated.

Do you have a family member, loved one, or friend that is locked up and want to locate them?

Has somebody that’s been arrested and you need to find them?

To look up who is in jail at Bell County Jail you need to navigate to their link and do an inmate lookup.

The Bell County Jail Inmate Search has information on persons who have been arrested, which includes custody status, bail amount (if applicable), and times the inmate can have visitors. Also, you can get info on anyone who has been arrested or released in the past 24-hour period. Inmates are listed alphabetically by their last name. You will be able to locate the information quicker if you’ve got their first and last name, birth date, or inmate ID Number.

If the person you’re searching for is incarcerated at a different jail you will want to check our guide to other Texas jails: Texas County Jails Directory

A mugshot, or jail booking photograph, is the picture that the jail takes when you get processed at jail intake. A mugshot is make of one frontal photo and a profile picture. Your name and booking number will be on the mugshot, and they will be on file.

Mugshots of Bell County Jail inmates can be seen on the Bell County Jail website, or you can see them at the Bell County Jail. When viewing online you will have to input the inmate’s name, and a booking date.

Are you trying to figure out what to do in order to have your mugshot removed from the Bell County Jail website? This may not be possible, because your mugshot is a public record. To get your mugshot removed you need to file a Petition to Expunge in court. Basically, this means that all of your arrest records will be sealed, and unavailable to the public. Depending on your situation, this may be a longshot.

To learn more about removing your mugshot, the many different mugshot websites, and the mugshot removal websites: How To Get Your Mugshot Removed

Return To Main Menu

Naturally, once you are locked up, your primary thought is about getting out. After booking, your bail amount is set either through a preset bail schedule or a magistrate. If there is no bail set this can mean that you will either be free to go until your trial, or you must remain in jail until your trial.

If you are released from jail you must promise to be there for your court date, and until that date you must not go out of town.

Usually, prisoners will earn time off in exchange for good behavior when they don’t break the rules and don’t cause any problems while they are in jail.

If you follow the rules, you might be allowed to participate in work release. Either you will have to go back to the jail at the end of the day when you’re finished with work, or you may get to live in a halfway house when you are not working.

Your bail is money that you have to pay to get out of jail until you go to court. Your bail amount depends on how serious your crime is. Someone will have to pay to the courts 10 percent of the total that was set in order to be released. If you miss your court date, that person will lose all of the bail money.

You must call the Bell County Jail. If know the person’s information, such as name, address and date of birth, they’ll be able to let you know how much their bail is. Also, you can check their bail amount and status on the jail website.

Having to bail a friend or family member out of jail is never fun, but in some cases, it is very simple to do. First of all, find out if it is a “Cash Bond Only”. If it is, you will not be able to use the services of a Bail Bondsman. Bail can only be paid by cash – the jail won’t take a personal check. Once you have paid the bond, the prisoner will be released. If they don’t violate the terms of their bail, the bail money you posted will be returned to you.

If their bail has been set too high, or you just can’t afford to pay it, you should hire a bail bondsman. Bail bondsmen generally have a fee of 10-15% of total bail, and sometimes with a minimum fee of $100. The money you pay to the bail bondsman will not be returned to you and has to be paid in cash. If the bail has been set really high, the bondsman will usually request to use your assets as collateral in addition to the fee they charge.

To find a bail bondsman go to: Find a bail bondsman

Have you ever hired a bail bondsman to bail someone out of jail? If you have, please share your experience in a comment below, and let us know how it worked out for you.

Click here to leave a comment

• Early Release For Good Behavior
• Work Release Programs
• Time Served
• Pre-Trial Release Programs
• Released On House Arrest
• Get Released on Your Own Recognizance

Return To Main Menu

The intake process is made up of each of the following steps:

• You will get put in a holding cell. When the jail is busy, it will take a while to get processed.
• Firstly, you must answer some questions, such as what is your full name, your address, birthdate and an emergency contact.
• They’ll also ask you about your mental and medical history.
• You will be issued an inmate ID number.
• You will get fingerprinted.
• You will have your mugshot taken.
• All personal property will be taken away from you and stored until you get released.
• They will let you make a telephone call to call a member of your family, friend, or bail bondsman.
• If you are expected to be released quickly, you might get to wear your street clothes, otherwise you will be issued a jumpsuit.

Have you ever been arrested and gone through processing at jail? If so, please tell your story. How long did you have to wait in the holding cell? Were you treated fairly? Can you share any tips that might help other people make it through jail processing?

Post A Comment

Once bail has been posted, you will be allowed to leave jail. The discharge process may take anywhere from 30 minutes to all day. Or, simply, the faster you can post bail, the sooner you can get out of jail. Also, how fast you get released might depend on if you’ve been given a bond amount or if the judge needs to determine the bail amount. For a minor offense, you will simply be booked and get released without having to post bail. When you get to the end of your sentence and know the release date, plan to be released at any time that day – but usually in the morning.

warrant out for your arrest, or if you have to start a jail sentence, it is recommended that you follow the law and turn yourself in willingly. In the case of an outstanding warrant, go to the jail reception area, and tell them that think that there is a warrant for your arrest. They will do a check to find out if there is an arrest warrant for you, and if you do, they will take you into custody and begin the intake process. When reporting to serve a sentence, report to the jail at the time and date that the sentence order lists. Make sure that you don’t show up late. Make sure that you only bring approved items with you, such as your driver’s license or photo ID, any prescription medication you might take, along with your doctor’s prescription, as well as the sentencing order from court.

In order to have visitors, inmates must list information about each visitor to the jail in advance. Your visitor’s information will go in the visitors log for the inmate. Each and every visitor must provide proof of identification. Anyone showing up late or that is not an approved visitor will not be able to attend visitation.
Visitation procedures at Bell County Jail change often, so it would be wise to visit the jail site before you go to visitation.

The only phone calls that inmates are allowed to make are collect calls or through a pre-paid phone account. Phone calls made in jail are a lot more expensive than regular phone calls. There are certain restrictions about when you can make phone calls, how long you can talk, and how often you can make calls, but inmates should keep in mind that you are just one of many people who want to talk to their loved ones. If you break the rules and are disciplined, an inmate’s ability to use the phone might get cut back or eliminated completely.

The Bell County Jail phone number is: 254-933-5400

All inmate mail must be sent via US Postal Service. You cannot use any other form of mail delivery. You have to clearly write the person’s name, inmate ID number, and jail address on the outside of the letter that you send. Don’t send anything in a package, envelope with padding or insulation, bag, or an envelope with any metal in it. All mail sent to inmates gets opened and read and examined by the staff, and the mail will get sent back if it can’t be delivered.

The address that you should use if you are sending a letter to an inmate at Bell County Jail is:

Bell County Jail
113 West Central Ave
Belton, TX 76513

Here is how you should address the letter:

[INMATE’S FULL NAME]
[INMATE ID]
Bell County Jail
113 West Central Ave
Belton, TX 76513

The inmate mail policy at Bell County Jail changes often, so you should check the site when send a letter to someone in jail there.

Return To Main Menu

When you get arrested, you have certain rights, one of these is your right to request an attorney. You don’t get to make many phone calls when you get arrested, so you would be wise to have a friend or family member find an attorney when you call them. You might be asking yourself ‘why do I need an attorney?’ You’re not required to have an attorney in all cases, an attorney will make sure you know your rights, help protect your best interests and help you through the complicated legal system in Bell County. The faster you hire an attorney to represent you and work on your situation, the better.

For more information on this, read: How to Find an Attorney

If you are in trouble, but can’t afford a lawyer, you will get a public defender. In addition, the Public Defender Office has access to independent investigators, experts in forensics and social case workers. Public Defenders are bona-fide lawyers, admitted to the Texas State Bar Association and are licensed to practice law and represent you in court.

Have you or someone you know used a Public Defender or court appointed attorney? Are you happy with how they handled your case?

Bell County court records are public and available to anyone who requests them. Court records contain a case file containing a sheet called a docket sheet and all documents and motions filed during your court case. You are able to access the records and documents in your court case with the internet service, or by going to the Bell County Clerk of Court where the case was filed.

The Bell County Clerk of Court is an officer and clerk of the court that maintains the records. They also administer the oath for all court participants, and read the verdict when delivered by the jury. All records and documents related to your case are available at Clerk of Court.

Court fees and costs are the charges associated with your case, which include filing fees, motion fees and various court charges. If you don’t have the money to pay these fees and have court appointed legal counsel or a Public Defender, you can get a waiver for these fees and won’t have to pay them.

The Bell County court magistrate is the type of judge who presides over your case in court. Magistrates are judges that do several different things, such as deciding a bail amount, issuing warrants for arrest, and acting as the presiding judge over preliminary court proceedings and detention hearings.

A defendant’s pre-sentencing report is prepared to include information about your background and as much detail about the defendant’s life history, which the judge will take into account when determining a sentence. Information, details, and character witnesses will be gathered from the defendant, the defendant’s family, and, if applicable, the victim of the crime. Be sure to remember that you should request to receive your own copy of the pre-sentencing report before you are sentenced, and go over it and correct any mistakes in it.

After you are convicted of a crime, you will be given a sentence for your crime. The presiding judge in your case will weigh several options when determining your sentence, which include community service to probation, to prison or jail time. Depending on the severity of the crime, you could be taken into custody immediately, or you could be given a date that you are required to surrender and report to jail to do your time.

Return To Main Menu

Are you trying to find out if someone is currently in jail, or has gone to jail in the past?

To do so, you should query the jail’s website, and do a search using:

• Name.
• Birth date.
• Approximate booking date.
• and their inmate ID.

If you’re not sure if this person is in jail, you should call the jail to find out.

If you have an outstanding warrant, you are able to check the court records on the website or you can call the court. This requires a first and last name. Or, you can just go down to the jail and ask them. You should be clear that there is an outstanding warrant for your arrest, they will take you into custody immediately.

If you know a person’s name, and the date of their arrest, contact the jail, by phone, go there in person, or look online. Records of arrests are a matter of public record and these records are accessible by the public.

A Civil Process is when you get served with papers, like a court order. You can find these civil process orders by getting in touch with the Bell County Sheriff’s office, by phone or online.

All registered sex offenders are listed and registered on a sex offender database. The people on these databases have been tried by jury and convicted in a court of law of a sex offense. You are able to see this information online, but keep in mind that you will not get the precise address, but only the address block of the address that they registered.

Court Records are public, and are accessible by anyone. Court Records include a case file that contains a court docket and all of the documents and filings filed in your court case. You can access the court records via the internet service ‘Public Access to Court Electronic Records’, or at the Bell County Clerk of Court in the jurisdiction where the case was filed.

Every state maintains records of a person’s criminal background. These databases are linked together so you can track criminal convictions from any other state. You are able to go to the Bell County Courthouse and check in person, or you can check online. It is helpful to know the county the crime was committed in, and if it was in a different state entirely, you might have to pay for a more comprehensive search.

A criminal history search you will be able to find out if someone has been arrested, charged, or convicted for crimes, which include:

• DUI.
• Drug Possession of Drug Trafficking.
• Kidnapping.
• Sex offenses which could include rape, and sexual assault.
• Violent crimes.
• Theft, breaking and entering.

If you do a criminal records check, you generally won’t learn if they had:

• Speeding.
• Drivers license revoked or suspended.
• Been in a traffic accident.
• Other moving violations.
• Parking Tickets.

To get this kind of information, you have to do a search for their driving record.

Have you ever needed to find criminal records? How hard was it? Was your search online or did you make a phone call to the local courthouse? Did you get information that was correct? There are plenty of reasons that people search for criminal records, and your comments might make it easier for others.

Speak Your Mind

Most Wanted

Everyone knows that the FBI keeps a list of the Ten Most Wanted Fugitives. In Bell County,The Sheriff’s Department keeps their own list of most wanted criminals and fugitives.

FBI Ten Most Wanted List: Link


Return To Main Menu

Life In Jail / What Its Like

Daily Life

Everyone knows that being incarcerated in the Bell County jail is something you wish you could avoid, you will soon settle into the routine that is set for you in jail. You will get an alarm for wake-up at six in the morning, and then roll call. After roll call you will have breakfast. When you finish eating breakfast you will be required to work in the program that has been assigned to you. This could be working in the kitchen, laundry, or some sort of manufacturing job. While this may seem tedious, it may help you when you leave jail, as you are gaining experience in a certain field of work. Other inmates go to school, while some take part in mandated treatment programs. After lunch, there will be another roll call, then back to work. Your evening will be spent either in your cell or a common room. During this time dinner is served and you will be expected to take a shower. After another roll call, it’s lights out. Even though you will be confined to your cell, there may be enough light to read or write letters. Then again, most inmates welcome lights out, and try to get as much sleep as they can.

Most people are frightened at the idea of jail because they don’t know what to expect. If you have spent any time in Bell County Jail, your experiences would be welcomed, if it can help another person to deal with it.

Dress Code

When incarcerated, all inmates are expected to wear the Bell County Jail uniform. This is normally a jumpsuit or scrubs. Of note to anyone visiting an inmate – you must be properly dressed. Any clothing considered inappropriate will not be permitted.

How To Send Money to an Inmate

You will have your own ‘bank account’ while in jail. This money is used to purchase items from the Commissary. Family and friends can deposit money into this account for you, and any money you earn while in prison will also be deposited into your account. Outside money can be paid in to your account via a money order, cash or check. If someone sends a check or money order, make sure that they write your inmate ID on it. The maximum amount you are allowed in your account is $290 per month.

The procedure to send money to someone in jail can change, so check the site when send funds to someone in jail there.


Commissary

The commissary is the jail store. You can purchase a number of things here, such as toiletries, snacks and writing supplies. Bear in mind that you will probably want to use the commissary daily, and any infractions will get that privilege taken away from you.

Inmate Medications

If you are on any type of prescription medication, you will be allowed to continue taking it while in jail. When you are first processed, you will be asked what medication you take. You will then be referred to the jail nurse or doctor who will be in charge of monitoring your health and prescribing your medication.

Meals

You will get three meals a day: breakfast, lunch and dinner. As expected, they are very basic, but healthy. A typical breakfast might be cereal, toast, coffee and fruit. Lunch might be spaghetti, salad, bread and milk. Dinner could be chicken casserole, rice, vegetables, dessert and milk. Contrary to popular belief, prison food has greatly improved over the years, and you might find that it’s not much different from what you would eat at home.

Pods / The Yard

The jail is designed in a ‘pod’ layout, with self-contained housing arranged around an outdoor yard. Each pod has a central control station and a common room, and the inmates take turns in using the yard. The jail is designed this way to keep certain inmates together, and others away from the general population.

Gangs

As with life in general, gangs are a part of prison life. Obviously it is best to avoid becoming a part of this environment as it will only lead to trouble. When you first enter prison, you might find yourself being ‘primed’ to join a gang, or worse, you might get their attention in a negative way. The best thing to do is keep your head down and don’t get involved.


Return To Main Menu

News and Media

News

Photos / Pictures

Videos


Return To Main Menu

Jobs

Types of Jobs at Bell County Jail

The Deputy Sheriff is the second in command at the Bell County Jail, overseeing the day to day operations and administration of the jail. An inmate is unlikely to have much interaction with the Deputy Sheriff, unless they have committed an infraction. Detention Officers are responsible for the custody and care of the inmates. They maintain order in the jail, and handle security. A Detention Officer is assigned to a certain pod, and therefore is responsible for the same inmates each day. They get to know the inmates on a certain level and are well equipped to handle any problems that may occur.

Apply for a Job at Bell County Jail

Requirements:

• You have to be over the age of 21.
• You have to possess a High School Diploma or GED
• You have to be a US Citizen.
• You have to pass a Criminal, Credit and Driving History background check.
• You have to pass a drug test.
• You have to have a good level of fitness.
• You have to be in good health.
• You have to have a valid Driver’s License
• An applicant for Deputy Sheriff must possess a Law Enforcement Certification.


Return To Main Menu

Family Resources

There are resources for families of both the perpetrator of the crime and the victim. The social and emotional impact of crime is far reaching, affecting many. Families can receive professional counseling, court related assistance, social services assistance and help in navigating the criminal justice system.

If you are a family member, which resources did you find to be particularly helpful? Please let us know, as this will be helpful to other families in the same situation.

Click here to comment


Return To Main Menu

Victim Resources

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.

Victim’s Rights

The Victim Rights Act grants victims the following rights:

• The right to protection from the accused.
• The right to notification.
• The right to attend proceedings.
• The right to speak at criminal justice proceedings.
• The right to consult with the prosecuting attorney.
• The right to restitution.
• The right to a speedy trial.
• The right to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect.

The definition of victim includes:

• Spouses and children of all victims.
• Parents and guardians of minor victims.
• Parents, guardians and siblings of mentally or physically incapacitated victims or victims of homicide.
• Foster parents or other caregivers, under certain circumstances.

There are a number of services and programs designed to help victims and their families. You can find out about these services by contacting the courthouse, or local law enforcement agency.

Victim Notification

The Department of Justice Victim Notification System (VNS) is a system that provides victims with information pertaining to their case and/or any defendants in the case. You will receive a Victim Identification Number (VIN) and a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that will allow you to access VNS via the internet or by phone. Here, you will find information about future court hearings, historical court events, and detailed information about the defendant. This will include criminal charges filed, the outcome of charges, sentence imposed, custody location, projected release date and any other release information. The VNS website is updated daily. You will also receive any ongoing information by mail or email.

Have you, a family member or friend ever used the Victim Notification System? If so, was it effective? Did you get the information in a timely manner? Was the system difficult to use? We would like to hear from you, so please post any comments here.

Click here to leave a comment

Sex Offender Information and Search

All people registered as sex offenders are registered on either a national or state sex offender database. The people on these databases have been convicted of a sex or kidnapping crime. You can access this information online, but bear in mind that you will not get the exact address, rather the block that they live on.

Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of domestic violence, there are services to help you. Your county will have a Domestic Violence Services office. They provide free and confidential services, such as emergency shelter information, legal advocacy, support groups and domestic violence education. They will work to help you create a safe and violence-free life, and heal from the trauma of abuse.

Important Note: If you, or someone you know, are in immediate danger, call 911.


Return To Main Menu

Reviews

Reviews of this Jail

Have you ever been an inmate at this jail? Do you have a friend or family member that spent time there? Have you ever visited an inmate at this jail?

If your answer is yes, then please tell us about it. Tell us about your experience so that others will know what to expect.

Things you might want to write in your comment:

• Jail conditions.
• Jail and pod facility and layout
• Guards and staff
• Jail food and commissary
• Visitation
• The other inmates.
• Inmate safety
• Jail gangs
• Prisoner programs and activities


Let Everyone Know

Tell Your Story

Anyone who’s been in jail has some stories about their time ‘inside’. Why’d you end up in jail? How did the guards treat you? What happened to you while you were locked up? Tell us about the other inmates. How did it affect you to go to jail?

Speak Your Mind

Send a Message to Your Cell Mate

Make some good friends in jail? Want to reconnect with somebody you met when you were locked up? Leave a message for them here.

Say Hello to someone at Bell County Jail


Return To Main Menu
2620