On Wednesday, defense attorneys for the ex-council members filed a motion to dismiss the charges. Superior Court Judge Kathleen Kennedy took the matter under submission and said she would issue her ruling at the next court hearing.
The former city officials are accused of misappropriating public funds, but claim voters approved a ballot measure making Bell a charter city that granted them authority to collect six-figure salaries.
Former City Manager Robert Rizzo, whom prosecutors argue had an annual salary and compensation package of $1.5 million, also faces similar charges. Prosecutors believe that Bell was looted of over $6 million in total.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
