Paul A. Motz

Biography

Paul A. Motz is the presiding judge of Bell County Court at Law No. 1 in Belton, Texas. In addition to his regular statutory docket, Judge Motz also presides over the Civil, Probate, and Mental Health Court, making his courtroom one of the busiest in the county.

County Courts at Law in Texas have jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $250,000, probate matters, guardianships, and mental health commitments. Judge Motz’s additional assignment to the Civil, Probate, and Mental Health Court means he handles a disproportionate share of the county’s complex civil litigation, estate matters, and involuntary commitment proceedings.

Judge Motz is the Republican nominee for re-election in 2026, facing no opponent in the November general election. His campaign emphasizes efficient case management and a fair, even-handed approach to the diverse cases that come before his court.

As County Court at Law No. 1 judge, Motz has jurisdiction over misdemeanor criminal cases, including DWIs, theft, assault, and drug possession. He also handles civil lawsuits involving amounts up to $250,000, probate of wills, estate administration, guardianship proceedings, and mental health commitment hearings.

Judge Motz is known for running an efficient docket and maintaining a professional courtroom. He has earned the trust of the local bar through his consistent application of the law.

Credentials & Education

Education

• J.D., accredited law school

Bar Admissions

• State Bar of Texas

Professional Memberships

• Bell County Bar Association
• State Bar of Texas
• Texas College of Probate Judges

Professional History

Bell County Court at Law No. 1 — Judge Presides over misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters up to $250,000, probate, guardianships, and mental health court. Running unopposed for re-election in 2026.

Paul A. Motz is the presiding judge of Bell County Court at Law No. 1 in Belton, Texas. In addition to his regular docket, Judge Motz presides over the Civil, Probate, and Mental Health Court. He is the Republican nominee for re-election, unopposed in the November 2026 general election.

Case Load & Decision Summary

Based on an analysis of 884 recently resolved cases, the following is a summary of the judge’s major caseload and how they typically decide them.

The Success Rate measures how often the Plaintiff/Filer (e.g., the landlord, debt collector, or state) wins a judgment. Cases that were dismissed or resulted in a judgment for the defendant lower this rate. Active or pending cases are excluded.