Bell County, KY Courts and Public Records
- Arrest Records
- Judgments
- Bankruptcies
- DUIs & DWIs
- Felonies
- Warrants
- Jail Records
- Lien Records
- Sex Offenses
- Misdemeanors
- Criminal Records
- Federal Dockets
The Bell County Circuit Court and District Court, based in Pineville, hear felonies, civil and family matters, misdemeanors, traffic, small claims and juvenile cases in Judicial Circuit 44. The Circuit Court Clerk keeps the records of the Circuit, Family, District and Business courts.
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Court Name | Bell County Circuit Court and District Court (Judicial Circuit 44) |
| Main Address | Farmer Helton Judicial Center, 101 W. Park Ave., Pineville, KY 40977 |
| Main Phone | 606-337-9900 |
| Courthouse Locations | 1 (Pineville) |
| Handles | Felonies and civil cases over the District Court limit in Circuit Court; misdemeanors, traffic, small claims, probate and juvenile matters in District Court; appeals from District Court in Circuit Court |
| Does NOT Handle | Federal cases (U.S. District Court for Kentucky); parking tickets (the citing city or agency) |
| Online Case Search | Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 for online case search options |
| Criminal Records Requests | Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 or visit Farmer Helton Judicial Center in Pineville |
| Pay Traffic Tickets Online | Online payment through ePay is offered; contact the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 for the payment link |
How to Search Bell County Court Records
Have the person's full name, the case number if you know it, and the approximate dates ready before you search. Bell County records are kept by the Circuit Court Clerk in Pineville.
Online
Go to kycourts.gov for statewide court information.
Confirm with the clerk which records can be searched online.
Best for: Finding the clerk's contact details
In Person
Go to 101 W. Park Ave., Pineville, KY 40977.
Bring the case number and party names if you have them.
Ask the Circuit Court Clerk for records and copies.
Best for: Records and copies not available online
By Phone
Call 606-337-9900 to reach the Circuit Court Clerk.
Ask which office keeps the case and what the clerk needs.
Best for: Confirming records before visiting
Search by Name on KentuckyCourts.org
Go to KentuckyCourts.org and enter a full name.
Search across record types without a case number.
Confirm results with the court, since they are not official court records.
Best for: Finding leads without a case number
Bell County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
Bell County courts handled an estimated 3,466 new cases in CY 2024 and disposed of an estimated 3,391. The estimate scales Kentucky statewide totals by the county's share of state population.
~3,466
Total filings in CY 2024
~3,391
Total dispositions in CY 2024
~3,466
Filings per judicial position (1 estimated positions)
~-1.5%
Change in total filings vs CY 2023
| Metric | CY 2024 | CY 2023 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Filings | ~3,466 | ~3,517 | ~-1.5% |
| Total Dispositions | ~3,391 | ~3,466 | ~-2.2% |
| Criminal Filings | ~2,010 | ~2,060 | ~-2.4% |
| Civil Filings | ~653 | ~653 | ~+0.0% |
| Family Law Filings | ~327 | ~327 | ~+0.0% |
| Probate Filings | ~151 | ~151 | ~+0.0% |
| Mental Health Filings | ~45 | ~45 | ~+0.0% |
| Juvenile Filings | ~90 | ~90 | ~+0.0% |
| Authorized Judicial Positions | ~1 | ~1 | ~0.0% |
The largest category movement was in criminal filings. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kentucky statewide figures scaled by Bell County's 0.50% share of the state population.
How Have Court Filings Changed in Bell County?
Estimated total filings in Bell County moved up over the last five years; dispositions are estimated at a similar level.
| Fiscal Year | Total Filings | Total Dispositions | YoY Filing Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| CY 2024 | ~3,466 | ~3,391 | ~-1.5% |
| CY 2023 | ~3,517 | ~3,466 | ~+3.0% |
| CY 2022 | ~3,416 | ~3,366 | ~+4.6% |
| CY 2021 | ~3,265 | ~3,165 | ~+1.6% |
| CY 2020 | ~3,215 | ~3,065 | ~+1.6% |
Estimated filings changed +7.8% between CY 2020 and CY 2024, from 3,215 to 3,466. The largest annual change was +4.6% in CY 2022. The latest change of -1.5% reflects statewide Kentucky trends. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kentucky statewide figures scaled by Bell County's 0.50% share of the state population.
What Types of Cases Are Filed in Bell County?
The Circuit Court and District Court together hear the case types listed below, and the Circuit Court Clerk keeps the records for each.
| Case Type | Heard By | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Felonies | Circuit Court | District Court holds preliminary felony hearings |
| Misdemeanors | District Court | Criminal misdemeanor cases |
| Traffic | District Court | Traffic citations |
| Civil cases over the District Court limit | Circuit Court | Larger civil claims |
| Civil cases within the District Court limit | District Court | Includes small claims |
| Small claims | District Court | Smaller civil claims |
| Family law | Circuit Court | Divorce, custody and support; Family Court divisions where the circuit has them |
| Probate | District Court | Probate matters |
| Juvenile matters | District Court | Juvenile cases |
| Appeals from District Court | Circuit Court | Appeals from District Court decisions |
How Does Bell County Compare With Kentucky Overall?
Bell County is estimated to account for about 0.50% of the 690,000 cases filed in Kentucky courts in CY 2024.
| Metric | Bell County | Kentucky | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total filings | ~3,466 | 690,000 | ~0.50% of statewide filings |
| YoY change in filings | ~-1.5% | -1.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Filings per judicial position | ~3,466 | 2,875 | Estimated at the state level |
| Dispositions per judicial position equivalent | ~3,391 | 2,812 | Estimated at the state level |
| Criminal share of filings | ~58.0% | 58.0% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Civil share of filings | ~18.8% | 18.8% | Same as state (estimate) |
| Family law share of filings | ~9.4% | 9.4% | Same as state (estimate) |
These county values are estimates built from statewide Kentucky figures, so they track the state mix by design. Actual county dockets may differ. Figures marked with ~ are estimates: Kentucky statewide figures scaled by Bell County's 0.50% share of the state population.
Bell County Crime Statistics (2025)
These figures are Kentucky statewide totals as reported to the FBI, not counts for Bell County. Agency reporting may be incomplete, and county crime counts are not available here. Statewide violent and property crimes combined fell 7.5% from 2024 to 2025. In 2025, reporting agencies covered about 100% of Kentucky's population, so year-over-year changes can partly reflect which agencies reported.
9,959
Violent crimes, Kentucky statewide, 2025
59,098
Property crimes, Kentucky statewide, 2025 (includes arson)
216.2
Violent crime rate per 100K, Kentucky statewide, 2025 (population 4,606,864)
-7.5%
Change in total violent plus property crimes, Kentucky statewide, 2025 vs 2024 (69,057 vs 74,690)
| Offense | 2025 | Rate per 100K | 2024 | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Murder | 192 | 4.2 | 291 | -34.0% |
| Rape | 1,650 | 35.8 | 1,765 | -6.5% |
| Robbery | 1,369 | 29.7 | 1,657 | -17.4% |
| Aggravated assault | 6,748 | 146.5 | 6,697 | +0.8% |
| Violent crimes total | 9,959 | 216.2 | 10,410 | -4.3% |
| Burglary | 7,813 | 169.6 | 9,188 | -15.0% |
| Larceny-theft | 42,056 | 912.9 | 43,970 | -4.4% |
| Motor vehicle theft | 8,893 | 193.0 | 10,698 | -16.9% |
| Property crimes total | 59,098 | 1282.8 | 64,280 | -8.1% |
Rates use the Kentucky 2025 population of 4,606,864. County-level rates are not published, so this section does not compare Bell County with the state. The property crimes total includes arson, so it is larger than the sum of the property offenses listed above.
Bell County Courthouse Locations
Bell County has 1 Circuit Court Clerk location, the Farmer Helton Judicial Center in Pineville. Check your notice or citation for the assigned courthouse before you go.
| Courthouse | Address | Phone | Verified Services |
|---|---|---|---|
| Farmer Helton Judicial Center (Pineville) | 101 W. Park Ave., Pineville, KY 40977 | 606-337-9900 | See location page |
Which Court Handles Your Case in Bell County?
Bell County's Circuit Court and District Court handle different case types, and the Circuit Court Clerk keeps the records for both. Check your charge, notice or paperwork to confirm the court.
| Your Situation | Go To | Key Details |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic ticket | District Court | Traffic citations are heard in District Court. |
| Parking ticket | The citing city or agency | Parking tickets are not handled by the court. |
| Misdemeanor | District Court | Criminal misdemeanors are heard in District Court. |
| Felony | Circuit Court | District Court holds preliminary felony hearings first. |
| DUI | District Court or Circuit Court | The charge decides the court, and felony charges go to Circuit Court. |
| Domestic violence | District Court or Circuit Court | Criminal charges follow the misdemeanor or felony route; ask the Circuit Court Clerk about protective orders. |
| Civil lawsuit | Circuit Court or District Court | The amount claimed decides the court. |
| Small claims | District Court | Small claims are heard in District Court. |
| Eviction | District Court | Eviction cases are heard in District Court. |
| Divorce | Circuit Court | Divorce cases go to Circuit Court, including Family Court divisions where the circuit has them. |
| Child custody or support | Circuit Court | Family matters go to Circuit Court, with Family Court divisions where available. |
| Probate or estate | District Court | Probate matters are heard in District Court. |
| Juvenile case | District Court | Juvenile matters are heard in District Court. |
| Appeal | Circuit Court or Court of Appeals | Circuit Court hears appeals from District Court, and the Court of Appeals hears appeals from Circuit Court. |
Are Bell County Court Records Public?
Yes, most Bell County court records are public, with exceptions set by Kentucky's court access rules and the court's own rules.
Public records
Most case files in the Circuit, Family, District and Business courts are open, including dockets, filings and orders. Kentucky's Open Records Act (KRS 61.870 to 61.884) covers public agency records.
Restricted or confidential records
Juvenile, sealed, expunged, adoption, mental health and protective-order-restricted records are not publicly available.
Online access
No county online case search link is verified here. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 or visit kycourts.gov for statewide court information. Online results may not include every document.
In-person access
Visit the Circuit Court Clerk at 101 W. Park Ave., Pineville, KY 40977 to view or request records. Call 606-337-9900 to confirm which office holds your case.
Fees
This section does not list fees. Ask the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 about copy costs.
How to Search Bell County Court Records Online
Search Bell County court records by case type, and ask the Circuit Court Clerk for documents that are not available online.
- Identify the case type, such as criminal, traffic, civil, small claims, family law, probate or juvenile.
- Open kycourts.gov for statewide court information, or call the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 to confirm how your case is kept.
- Search by party name or case number if the clerk offers a search for that case type.
- Review the case details, including status, parties and scheduled dates.
- Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 or use the records request page to request documents that are not online.
| Case Type | Where to Search | What You'll Find | Limits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Criminal | Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 | Case status and details through the clerk | Online availability must be confirmed with the clerk |
| Traffic | District Court through the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 | Citation and case information through the clerk | Online availability must be confirmed with the clerk |
| Civil | Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 | Case status and details through the clerk | Sealed or restricted filings are not available |
| Small claims | District Court through the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 | Case status and details through the clerk | Documents may require the clerk |
| Family law | Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 | Case status for domestic cases through the clerk | Confidential details are restricted |
| Probate | Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 | Case information through the clerk | Confirm with the clerk which probate records are available |
| Juvenile | Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 | Limited case information through the clerk | Juvenile proceedings are not publicly available |
How to Pay Fines & Citations in Bell County
Bell County fines and citations can be paid online through ePay or in person at the Circuit Court Clerk's office.
- Online: Pay through ePay, the online payment option the county page describes. Contact the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 for the payment link.
- In person: Pay at the Circuit Court Clerk's office at 101 W. Park Ave., Pineville, KY 40977 by cash, check or money order.
Parking tickets are handled by the city or agency that issued them, not by the court's Traffic Division. Traffic citations and criminal fines are handled through the Circuit Court Clerk.
Bell County Court Records FAQ
How do I search Bell County court records?
Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 or visit 101 W. Park Ave., Pineville, KY 40977. Statewide court information is available at kycourts.gov.
Are Bell County court records public?
Most are, but juvenile, sealed, expunged and other confidential records are not publicly available.
How do I find a criminal case?
Call the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900 with the defendant's full name and any case number you have.
How do I find a court date?
Check your citation, notice or summons first, then call the Circuit Court Clerk at 606-337-9900.
How do I pay a traffic ticket?
Pay online through ePay or in person at the clerk's office by cash, check or money order. Call 606-337-9900 for details.
How many people live in Bell County?
Bell County had 22,829 residents in 2025 according to Census Bureau Vintage 2025 estimates.
How has the Bell County population changed?
The population fell from 23,005 in 2024 to 22,829 in 2025, a change of -0.8%.
Is crime in Kentucky rising or falling?
County crime counts are not available here. Statewide, reported violent crimes fell 4.3% to 9,959 in 2025 from 10,410 in 2024, and property crimes fell 8.1% to 59,098 from 64,280, as reported to the FBI. These are Kentucky statewide figures, and reporting coverage changed between years.
Courts in the County
Bell County Circuit CourtMore Info
| Address: | 101 W. Park Ave., Pineville, KY, 40977 |
| Phone Number: | 606-337-9900 |
| Fax: | 606-337-8850 |
| Website: | https://kycourts.gov/Courts/County-Information/Pages/Bell.aspx |
Useful Links
- Kentucky Court of Justice - Circuit Court Clerks - Find contact details and services offered by circuit court clerks throughout Kentucky, including Bell County.
- Bell County, Kentucky - County Government Website - Access a range of public records, including court information, on the official Bell County government website.
- Family Court Division - Kentucky Court of Justice - Provides information on the Family Court, which covers divorce, child custody, and support issues.
- Court Forms - Kentucky Court of Justice - Download a variety of legal forms needed for processes like divorce, restitution, or small claims in Bell County.
- Courts in Kentucky - Ballotpedia - Explore detailed information on the structure and function of courts within Kentucky, including Bell County.
- Dru Sjodin National Sex Offender Public Website - Search the national database to stay informed about registered sex offenders living in Bell County, Kentucky.
- Legal Community Resources - Kentucky Court of Justice - A resource hub for legal professionals including links to Kentucky statutes, court rules, and legal education.
- Criminal Record Reports - Kentucky Court of Justice - Obtain criminal record reports for various legal purposes, directly from Kentucky's court system.
- Bell County District Court - CourtReference.com - Provides court contact details, directions, and a brief overview of the district court in Bell County.
- Find Your Legislator - Kentucky Legislature - Discover your state legislators and their contact information using your address in Bell County.
- Kentucky Revised Statutes - Legislative Research Commission - Access the official compilation of Kentucky laws affecting court procedures and governance within the state.
- Supreme Court of Kentucky - Kentucky Court of Justice - The official page with details about Kentucky's Supreme Court cases, opinions, and procedural rules.
- Legal Help - Kentucky Court of Justice - Provides self-help resources, links to free legal assistance services, and procedural guides for court processes.
- Kentucky Bar Association - Lawyer Connect - Find information about lawyers practicing in Bell County, Kentucky through the state's bar association portal.
- United States Attorney's Office - Western District of Kentucky - Official site for the federal jurisdiction overseeing Western regions, including Bell County for federal cases.
- Kentucky Legal Aid - A nonprofit organization providing free legal support to financially disadvantaged individuals in Kentucky.
- Circuit Court - Kentucky Court of Justice - The main trial court in Kentucky, handling felony charges, civil cases, estate settlements and much more.
- CourtWatch Program - ACLU of Kentucky - Advocacy program monitoring state courts to ensure fairness, accountability, and justice within the legal process.
- Chief Justice Kentucky Court Improvement Project Website - Focuses on improving child welfare through better court practices, policies and community engagement in Kentucky.
- Kentucky Equal Justice Center - Advocates for fair and equitable legal rights for all Kentuckians, impacting legislative and court reforms.
Table of Contents
- Bell County, Courts and Public Records
- How to Search Bell County Court Records
- Bell County Court Statistics (CY 2024)
- How Have Court Filings Changed in Bell County?
- What Types of Cases Are Filed in Bell County?
- How Does Bell County Compare With Kentucky Overall?
- Bell County Crime Statistics (2025)
- Bell County Courthouse Locations
- Which Court Handles Your Case in Bell County?
- Are Bell County Court Records Public?
- How to Search Bell County Court Records Online
- How to Pay Fines & Citations in Bell County
- Bell County Court Records FAQ
- Courts in the County
- Useful Links