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About Derek
Biography
Practice Areas- Criminal Defense and Petitions for Protection from Abuse in Family Court
Derek is a Sussex County Native who was born and raised in Lewes, Delaware. Derek graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 2008, University of Delaware in 2012 and Delaware Law School in 2015.
After passing the Delaware Bar Exam, Derek began practice as an associate with the law firm of Stumpf, Vickers and Sandy P.A where he interned throughout the entirety of law school. While working for Stumpf, Vickers and Sandy Derek practiced in both the areas of criminal and family law.
In October of 2016, Derek took a position with the Department of Justice as a Deputy Attorney General for the State of Delaware where he prosecuted everything from traffic tickets to homicides. While serving as a Deputy Attorney General Derek also led the Drug Unit in prosecuting the county’s biggest drug offenders.
In March of 2022 Derek transitioned back into private practice and took a position with The Smith Firm, LLC where he practiced in the areas of Criminal Defense, Family Law, Real Estate Law and Personal Injury. In January of 2024 Derek accepted an offer to join the law firm of Gonser and Gonser P.A where he primarily practices out of their Georgetown office.
Derek has extensive trial experience in a multitude of Courts including Justice of the Peace Court, Alderman’s Court, Family Court, the Court of Common Pleas and Superior Court. As someone who has prosecuted cases, Derek is uniquely positioned to offer perspective on how cases are investigated and built as well as how to get the best resolution for his client. With Gonser and Gonser Derek primarily practices in the area of Criminal Defense and Petitions for Protection from Abuse. His work on Petition’s for Protection from Abuse recently earned him a nomination from Coastal Magazine as the top Family/Divorce attorney in Sussex County. Delaware Today magazine named Derek one of 2024’s top Lawyers. The National Trial Lawyers named Derek as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Delaware.
Practice Areas
14
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
DUI and DWI
13%
Estate Planning
10%
Family
10%
Fees and Rates
Awards
2022
Licenses
Licensed in Delaware for 10 years
State: Delaware
Acquired: 2015
No misconduct found
Location
Derek G Gay's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
22 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 10 of 14 reviews | Case Results
Posted by anonymous | April 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Speeding ticket for a Minor
My 17 year old son received a speeding ticket while visiting Bethany Beach from Baltimore. In DE minors are summoned to appear in court if they receive a speeding ticket. We hired Derek in hopes of not having to travel back to DE and to avoid costly points on his license which would bring increased a...
Posted by Gabriel | January 10, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Traffic violations
Derek Gay was straight to the deal when it came to my case and charges. He is very realistic and straightforward as well as professional. He handled multiple serious charges on my accounts and resolved them with a terrific outcome. I would highly suggest consulting with Mr. Gay for representation on ...
Posted by Travis | November 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Strongly Recommend
Derek did an amazing job. He did a great job of keeping me informed throughout the whole ordeal. I was very pleased with the outcome and would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone that finds themselves in need of an attorney.
Posted by C. W | November 15, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Traffic ticket
Mr Gay was very knowledgeable of my situation. He was able to get my case dropped without me a searing in court since I lived in Richmond, VA. I really appreciate the level of respect and communication. Will definitely use him again if needed!
Posted by Michelle | November 10, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Exceptional lawyer
Derek represented my son in Alderman’s court (very small town court) the judge nor the police officer were prepared for him. Derek pretty much left the police officer speechless. If we didn’t hire Derek my son would have had to plead guilty for his traffic violation and would have lost his job becaus...
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Experience
Associations
2016 - Present
Terry-Carey American Inn of CourtMember
Education
2015
Delaware Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2012
University of Delaware
Other - Bachelors
2008
Cape Henlopen High School
GED