Hart Willoughby
ATTORNEY
**NEED BIO - FPO**
A Georgia native raised in College Park, Kerrel brings more than a decade of courtroom experience to Banks Weaver as a criminal defense and civil plaintiff-side attorney. With degrees from Georgia Southern University and Howard University School of Law, he has practiced criminal defense in Georgia, Massachusetts, and Washington, D.C. His experience spans every stage of litigation, from pre-arrest through trial, appeal, and post-conviction advocacy.
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Kerrel’s practice focuses on serious criminal defense matters, including drug offenses, DUI defense, firearm and violent felony cases, and police misconduct and civil rights litigation. He has tried more than 25 jury trials, litigated over 100 evidentiary and constitutional motions, and routinely challenges unlawful searches, police conduct, and prosecutorial overreach. His work has reached the Georgia Supreme Court, including State v. Arroyo.
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Known for a trial-ready mindset and meticulous preparation, he combines public-defender grit with private-firm precision. Outside the courtroom, he is deeply committed to community leadership and mentorship, serving as a facilitator with FatherMovement, co-founding a youth mentorship program for children ages 5–12, partnering with Next Level Boys Academy, and regularly presenting “Know Your Rights” sessions throughout the city.
