Office of the Johnson County, Iowa Attorney

06/11/2026

Our office was honored to host participants from the International Visitor Leadership Program this week. Johnson County Attorney Rachel Zimmermann Smith was joined by fellow elected officials - Sheriff Kunkel, Board of Supervisors Chair Jon Green, and County Treasurer Scott Finlayson - to welcome guests representing countries including Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Kenya, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Algeria.

Together, we explored how our county government is organized and how our departments collaborate in service to the public. Our visitors came with thoughtful, engaging questions that made for a truly meaningful exchange. This meeting of international visitors required translators (both human and electronic) for everyone to communicate freely and clearly, and we appreciate the individuals who facilitated that important part of our meeting.

It was a privilege to share our local government and laws with such accomplished professionals from across the African continent. Conversations like these remind us why public service matters - here in Johnson County, Iowa, and around the world.

06/09/2026

Scammers are using email, phone calls, texts, and official-looking documents sent through the U.S. mail to threaten people with legal action for unpaid fines, missed jury service, and arrest warrants.

The Iowa Judicial Branch DOES NOT issue official court communications by text or telephone calls or ask the recipient to send money, request a social security number, direct the recipient to call a certain phone number, purchase a prepaid money card, or advise the recipient to link to a website.

Court fines and fees can only be paid to the clerk of court office and only by mail or by walk in, on the secure Iowa Judicial Branch ePayment system, or by calling 515-348-4788 from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Read the full news release here: https://www.iowacourts.gov/newsroom/news-releases/iowa-judicial-branch-warns-of-multiple-scams

ePayment system: https://www.iowacourts.gov/for-the-public/pay-a-fine

Find information on your outstanding fines and fees using the Iowa Courts Online docket: https://www.iowacourts.state.ia.us/ESAWebApp/SelectFrame

Johnson County contact info can be found here: https://www.iowacourts.gov/iowa-courts/district-court/judicial-district-6/district/6/county/johnson

06/05/2026

We’re proud of Johnson County Community Violence Intervention for the hard work they put into community awareness and prevention of gun violence. Thank you to everyone who joins us in the effort to reduce gun violence in Johnson County.

06/05/2026

Today is Gun Violence Awareness Day. It's also . We wear orange to honor victims and survivors of gun violence, and to demonstrate our commitment to reducing gun violence in our community. Every day, we work towards the shared goal of addressing the root causes of gun violence. We work in partnership with community organizations, volunteers, and leaders, and residents who are passionate about community safety.

Thank you to our county supervisors for proclaiming June 5th as Wear Orange Day, and the month of June as Gun Violence Awareness Month in Johnson County.

06/04/2026

05/29/2026

Yesterday we were excited to have the UI Law School's Legal Intern Class at the Johnson County Courthouse. The class got to witness some daily courthouse happenings, a mock trial with Assistant Johnson County Attorney Mike Lang sitting in as the "judge," and Assistant County Attorney Jake and our current intern, Sara, showing the intern class what a non-jury trial in magistrate court might look like (with a little help from our friends at the Johnson County Sheriff's Office)! The intern class got some insight and tips from our staff, and then had a chance to chat with District Associate Judge Schrock and DA Judge Burns, who also had some really valuable experience and stories to pass along to the interns.

Thank you to our Judges, the Sheriff's Office, and the courthouse staff for making the class feel welcome!

05/27/2026

Following the April 19, 2026, shooting in the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall, Iowa City Police have worked to identify individuals involved in the shooting and in the large fight that preceded it.

05/26/2026

The Johnson County Attorney’s Office is currently closed due to a power outage. We are expected to open at 11:00am today.