Fort Hood is a United States military post with over 33,000 residents within Bell County, Texas. It is one of the largest US military installations in the world, and is home to the III Corps, 1st Cavalry Division, 13th Sustainment Command, First Army Division West, 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment, 41st Fires Brigade and many other corps.

In November 2009, Major Nidal Malik Hasan allegedly opened fire in Fort Hood, killing 13 people and wounding 30 others. Debate ensued over whether to have the military adjudicate the case, or whether to consider the killings a terrorist attack, in which federal court will have jurisdiction. Ultimately, it was determined that the case was a mass killing, which fell under military jurisdiction. Hasan was charged with 13 counts of premeditated murder and 32 counts of attempted premeditated murder for the 30 soldiers and 2 civilian police officers injured in the shooting. The case is still pending.

If your case falls outside of military jurisdiction, it may be adjudicated by a number of different courts within Bell County. There is considerable jurisdictional overlap amongst the courts, and a lawyer is best equipped to navigate the system on your behalf.

The Justice of the Peace Court has original jurisdiction in Class C misdemeanor criminal cases, which are less serious minor offenses. This court also functions as a small claims court. The Constitutional County Court generally hears probate cases, and has original jurisdiction over all Class A and Class B misdemeanor criminal cases. The District Courts have original jurisdiction in all felony criminal cases, divorce cases, cases involving title to land, and election contest cases. The Constitutional County Court, Justice of the Peace Court, and District Courts share concurrent jurisdiction in civil cases where the amount in controversy is small. In addition, there is a County Court at Law, whose legal jurisdiction varies considerably by county, but is usually shares some jurisdiction with the Justice of the Peace Court and the District Courts.

Aside from extensive knowledge of the court system, lawyers in the Fort Hood area specialize in all areas of the law, from family to probate to criminal matters. LegalMatch is the ideal tool to help you find, for free, a qualified lawyer that best fits your needs. Visit our website to learn how to hire the right lawyer for you.

For more legal resources in and around the Fort Hood area, please visit the following websites:

• Military ABA Pro Bono Project
• Texas Bar Association
• Waco County Bar Association