Richard T. Bell

- District judges manage Texas district courts, which are trial courts with general jurisdiction, and have exclusive authority over felony cases. A judge may be presiding over a civil, criminal, juvenile, or special court. They also share jurisdiction with Texas county courts.
- Texas has over 470 district courts, each presided over by a single judge. Some courts cover multiple counties, while others are assigned to single counties based on population size.
- District judges are elected through partisan elections for four-year terms. Candidates must be between 25 and 75 years old, have lived in the district for at least 2 years, and be licensed lawyers with at least 4 years' experience.
- The annual salary for district judges ranges from $175,000 to $245,500, depending on years of service.

Presides over a trial court with general jurisdiction. 

Criminal Justice

Texas

Legal Experience

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Ethics & Conduct

Community Involvement

District Judge

Emileigh Crouch

Walter Ley

Richard "Rick" Bell is from Richmond, Texas. He has a bachelor 27s degree in business from Southwestern University and a law degree from South Texas College of Law. He is a member of Bridge Fellowship Church.

Governor Abbott Appoints Bell As Judge Of The 501st Judicial ...

501st District Court | Fort Bend County

Richard is an associate district judge in the 387th District Court. He previously maintained a legal practice handling family law cases throughout Texas for nearly twenty years. He also served on the State Bar of Texas Grievance Committee for four years. Richard is an adjunct professor at the University of Houston Law Center. 

Richard is currently a judge of the 501st District Court in Fort Bend County. He was appointed in 2025. He previously served as an associate district judge in the 387th District Court.

2026-candidates - Fort Bend County Republican Party

RICHARD T BELL & ASSOCIATES - Updated December 2025 - 1 ...

For Candidate Richard T. Bell on Issue legal-experience:  
Practiced family law for nearly twenty years, handling complex property cases and child custody disputes throughout Texas.

As a private practice attorney, Bell was recognized by the State Bar of Texas for his commitment to pro bono work, assisting individuals unable to afford legal services.

As of January 22, 2026, Richard T. Bell’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Serves on the boards of local non-profit organizations, including as president of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land and treasurer of the Sugar Land Little League.

For Candidate Richard T. Bell on Issue community-involvement:  
Past president and board member of the Exchange Club of Sugar Land; member of Bridge Fellowship Church.